Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 3rd, 2012 4:23PM
The alpine rating is Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include
Summary
Weather Forecast
Continued unsettled weather with light accumulations through Wednesday. Strong SW winds forecast for Tuesday will increase the avalanche hazard.
Snowpack Summary
30-40 cm of accumulated storm snow over the last 5 days in addition to moderate SW winds have created soft slabs in many lee alpine locations. These slabs are reactive to skier triggering. The November 6 raincrust is down 80 cm and remains a concern.
Avalanche Summary
Numerous Class 1-1.5 ski cut slabs in the alpine (25-40 cm deep) were reported by Sunshine ski patrol today. Yesterday climbers reported a sizable slide on Polar Circus ice climb running down to below the pencil feature.
Confidence
Problems
Wind Slabs
Moderate SW winds and lots of snow available for transport has created touchy wind slabs in the alpine. Forecasted strong winds for Tuesday will exasperate the slab development and increase the avalanche hazard.
- Avoid freshly wind loaded features.
- Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
While it is unlikely, triggering this layer is still possible. It is located 50-90cm below the surface. Use caution and consider this layer when venturing into larger terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 4th, 2012 4:00PM