Boletín de aludes

Maritime

Valdez Avalanche Center
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Peligro de aludes

Alta montaña
3 · Notable
Límite del bosque
2 · Moderado
Bajo el límite
2 · Moderado
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Desactualizado: este boletín caducó 2 years ago. Estás viendo condiciones pasadas, no el boletín vigente.

Lo esencial

The avalanche hazard is Considerable above 3000' and Moderate below.  An increase in winds today will form new wind slabs that will be likely for a person or machine to trigger along upper elevation ridgelines and cross loaded terrain 1-2 feet in depth.  Below 3000' it will be possible to encounter and trigger these fresh wind slabs as well, although the likelihood will be lower.  Natural avalanches are possible today at upper elevations.

Problemas de aludes

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alta montaña
    • Límite del bosque
    • Bajo el límite del bosque
    Probabilidad
    Likely
    Tamaño
    1–2.5

    A storm to our South will bring an increase in East winds.  Any precipitation that arrives during the day today is expected to be light.  Depending upon terrain influence some areas may see North winds.  Not only will winds increase in strength, but a widening distribution is also expected.  This will cause new wind slabs to form in previously protected areas.  Expect these newly formed wind slabs to be reactive to human triggers in specific locations such as the lee side of high elevation ridgelines and cross loaded terrain.  Snowfall from the 15th has settled considerably, but there is still a lot of snow available for transport.  Wind speeds in the 50's is expected this afternoon along ridgetops and wind-channeled terrain.  Watch for signs of wind redistribution such as flagging off peaks, and remember that wind slabs are the most sensitive as they are forming.

    Wind slabs can be identified visually and by feel.  This avalanche problem may have a rounded pillowed look, or a rippled texture.  Where slabs exist the snow will be harder on top than the snow below and may show signs of instability such as shooting cracks and collapsing.  Pay attention to the degree at which soft snow at the surface is being redistributed by wind in the area you choose to travel.

     

     

Avalanche Discussion

Observed Avalanche Activity last 72 hours: 

NONE

The recent period of benign weather will come to an end today with ridgetop winds expected to increase with gusts in the 50's expected at upper elevations, and the strongest of winds near the coast.  In addition to wind, an increase in temperatures at upper elevations is currently underway and is expected to continue.  Warm air will over ride cold dense air on Thompson Pass and north.  This will create the potential for freezing rain during the evening hours.  Any precipitation that does occur today will be minimal but is expected to increase overnight.

Over the last couple days good stability has been observed in locations that were calm and protected from the wind.  Wind slab formation was isolated to areas close to the summit of Thompson Pass.  Winds increased in distribution overnight and will continue today.  New wind slab formation is expected during the day.  Areas that see fresh formation of wind slab are expected to be sensitive to human triggers up to 2 feet in depth.  Fresh wind slabs that form today can be differentiated by older ones by how stiff they are.  Newer slabs will be softer than older slabs, these will feel more like an upside down storm slab and will not support a person's weight.  Older slabs will have a hollow drum like feel and be much harder.  It is these newer wind slabs that are expected to be more sensitive today.  These will form along the lee side of high elevation ridgelines and in cross-loaded terrain.  Pay attention to the wind direction and amount of wind redistribution in the area you choose to travel.  Watch for signs of instability such as shooting cracks and collapsing that indicate unstable snow.  It is suggested to move to lower angle terrain where these are present.

Continue to avoid Glide cracks in the area where they exist from Nick's Buttress through Cracked Ice at mid elevation.

If you travel in the Continental zone today, exercise extra caution as there is very limited field data from this location.  It is unclear as to whether deep slab instabilities exist, however it is a possibility.

If you get out in the mountains today consider leaving an observation to help increase the understanding of current snowpack stability.  

A weather and snowpack season history is available by clicking on the Weather History tab that is located above the bottom line statement once you have entered the full forecast.

Season Snowfall Data

Location 24 hour Snowfall Inches- 12/21 24 hour Snow Water Equivalent Inches Height of Snow December Snowfall Season Total Snowfall Valdez    0 N/O    12     27     35 Thompson Pass    0 N/O   N/O    N/O    N/O Nicks    0 N/O    41    22 N/O 46 Mile    0   N/O   14    4 N/O

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