Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 28th, 2018–Dec 29th, 2018

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Glacier.

The probability of triggering an avalanche is relatively low, the consequences of going for a ride in an avalanche remain.

Weather Forecast

Cloudy with isolated flurries, alpine highs of -11C and SW winds in the 20km/h range. Tonight through Saturday a Pacific storm is expected to bring us +/- 35cm of storm snow, rising freezing levels (1200m Saturday) and SW winds moderate gusting to strong. Watch for increasing avalanche danger.

Snowpack Summary

Over half of our snow pack can be attributed to recent December snowfalls. Pockets of wind slab are lingering in lee features and cross loaded slopes in the alpine and treeline. The Dec 9 and Nov 21 interfaces are down ~100-120cm and still producing Hard and Sudden test results. We have no persistent weak layers in the upper snowpack.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity observed or reported in the last 24hrs.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Saturday

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

We have limited field observations from alpine terrain. Entrances to steep alp/ TL terrain may have lingering pockets of wind slab especially in immediate lee features below ridge crests and on cross-loaded slopes. Use caution entering new terrain.

Use caution above cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

The Dec 9 and Nov 21 persistent weak layers are down ~100-120cm and consists of surface hoar, facets, or a sun crust depending on aspect and elevation. Human triggered avalanches on these layers are unlikely but still possible.

Avoid thin rocky or unsupported terrain features.Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5