Winter has arrived and it's time to switch on the "avalanche brain". Ice climbers need to be aware of overhead terrain and be mindful of exposure to terrain traps and cliffs. Carry avalanche rescue gear and know how to use it.
Problemas de aludes
Wind Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alta montaña
Límite del bosque
Bajo el límite del bosque
Probabilidad
Possible - Likely
Tamaño
1–2
Previously formed wind slabs are present in gullies and cross-loaded features in the Alpine.
Loose Dry
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alta montaña
Límite del bosque
Bajo el límite del bosque
Probabilidad
Likely - Very Likely
Tamaño
1–3
Up to 35cm of snow in the past 24 hours is now sluffing in steep Alpine and Treeline terrain. Forecasted strong winds will make this situation worse over the short term.
Confidence
Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain
Weather Forecast
A series of storms will roll through the area over the next few days with brief clearing periods in between. Snowfall amounts could reach 10 to 15cm by Wednesday, with periodically strong winds.
Avalanche Summary
Loose dry avalanches up to size 1.5 associated the most recent snow have occurred over the past 24 hours. Previous slab avalanche activity has occurred on steep lee aspects in the alpine. Ice climbing parties have been surprised and had close calls in a couple of locations.
Snowpack Summary
It is early season and field observations are very limited. Up to 35cm of snow fell in the last 24hrs now putting many alpine areas above the necessary threshold for avalanche activity. Winds during the recent storm have been generally light, but some localized wind slab development is present. Previously formed hard wind slabs are found in isolated terrain at ridge-top on lee and cross-loaded features.