Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 30th, 2018–Dec 31st, 2018

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

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

Regions: Lizard-Flathead.

Watch out for wind-loaded slopes in exposed areas.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Dry with clear periods.MONDAY: Dry with a mix of sun and cloud. Light southwesterly winds. Treeline temperatures around -10C.TUESDAY: Dry with a mix of sun and cloud. Light southwesterly winds. Treeline temperatures around -10C.WEDNESDAY: Dry with a mix of sun and cloud. Moderate southwesterly winds. Treeline temperatures around -5C.

Avalanche Summary

Small (size 1.5) storm slabs were reported in response to skier traffic on Saturday.

Snowpack Summary

Approximately 20 cm recent storm snow was accompanied by strong winds that blew first from the southwest and then from the northwest. A weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) was buried on Boxing day in this region and is now buried 20-30 cm below the surface. This layer could be an issue in areas where wind has blown the snow into drifts. 80-130 cm below the surface is an old persistent weak layer that formed in early December. This layer mostly consists of facets (sugary snow) with some isolated areas also containing small surface hoar (feathery crystals). While professionals are still tracking this layer, it has not been reactive for some time now. Near the bottom of the snowpack lies a mix of crusts and facets that formed in late October/early November. Triggering an avalanche at the base of the snowpack is unlikely at this time, although the most likely place to do so would be from a steep rocky start zone in an area where the snowpack was shallow.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Touchy wind slabs have formed where wind has blown recent new snow into denser pillows. Watch for "reverse loading" on southeast aspects caused as the wind switched direction and blew from the northwest.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, or cracking.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2