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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 9th, 2012–Dec 10th, 2012

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Northwest Inland.

Confidence

Poor - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain for the entire period

Weather Forecast

Monday: : Light to Moderate precipitation with westerly and southwesterly winds 30-50km/h gusting to 90km/h. Freezing levels expected at 700m with alpine temperatures -6 degrees.Tuesday: Light precipitation, temperatures cooling to -9 in the alpine. Winds southwesterly moderate to strong.Wednesday: Light flurries, winds light from the northwest and alpine temperatures -8. 

Avalanche Summary

There is no new avalanche activity to report at this time.

Snowpack Summary

Windslab instabilities exist in the upper snowpack at treeline and in the alpine from recent snowfall accompanied by moderate to strong winds. Treeline snow depths range between 90-125 cm. Snow depths in the alpine are highly variable with deep wind drifts and heavily scoured slopes in exposed areas. A layer of small surface hoar crystals exists at tree-line in isolated sheltered areas. This is most likely buried down 20-35 cm. A weak layer of facets sitting on a crust exists near the base of the snowpack down 90-140 cm. We do not have much information on the reactivity of this layer. If you are traveling in the backcountry, send us your observations. Every bit of information helps us to create a better product. Email us at [email protected]

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Deep Persistent Slabs

Deep Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a thick cohesive layer of hard snow (a slab), when the bond breaks between the slab and an underlying persistent weak layer deep in the snowpack. The most common persistent weak layers involved in deep, persistent slabs are depth hoar or facets surrounding a deeply buried crust. Deep Persistent Slabs are typically hard to trigger, are very destructive and dangerous due to the large mass of snow involved, and can persist for months once developed. They are often triggered from areas where the snow is shallow and weak, and are particularly difficult to forecast for and manage.