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Avalanche Forecast

Dec 1st, 2012–Dec 2nd, 2012
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
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
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

Regions: South Rockies.

Some areas in the West of the region may have received more new snow recently. If your area has more than 30 cms of new snow in the alpine, then consider these ratings a little low.

Confidence

Fair - Due to limited field observations on Sunday

Weather Forecast

Overnight and Sunday: Light precipitation overnight should become very light by morning. Alpine temperatures should be about -8.0 and the freezing level should be down to the valleys. Winds should lighten and back to the SE. Expect broken skies in the East of the region.Monday: Overcast with light drizzle or wet flurries in the valleys. Alpine temperatures around -8.0 with strong SW winds at higher elevations. Tuesday: Western areas should get another warm pulse of moisture, maybe up to 15 mm. The East of the region may get considerably less moisture, and more wind.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche observations. No signs of whumphing or cracking were observed in the Harvey Pass area.

Snowpack Summary

A report from near Harvey Pass tells us that there is about 25 cms of storm snow that is "damp" at treeline and the ski penetration is only about 20 cms. The November crust was found to be buried down about 60 cms and was associated with a layer of facets either directly above or below. Light winds were not transporting much snow in this area. Alpine elevations may be quite different, as most of the recent precipitation has fallen as snow. We are hoping that the storm snow will bond well as temperatures cool, this may still take a day or two.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

New storm slabs have developed in the alpine that are 20-30 cms deep. Some pockets of wind slab may develop at higher elevations near ridge tops. The new snow has been reported as moist at treeline.
The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.>Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Persistent Slabs

We have not heard of any new releases on this early season rain crust. The new storm snow may create enough of a load to activate this layer. Look for signs of deep releases on steep terrain in the alpine during the storm.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 2 - 4