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Avalanche Forecast

Dec 21st, 2012–Dec 22nd, 2012
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
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: South Rockies.

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Overnight Friday: 5-10 cm new snow with strong SW winds and treeline temperatures around -10C.Saturday: light snow (2-5 cm) with winds gusting to 40 km/h at Ridgetop. Treeline temperatures around -10C.Sunday: 5 cm snow expected overnight Saturday, but during the day on Sunday, things should be mostly dry. Moderate SW winds. Treeline temperatures around -8C.Monday: 5 cm new snow. Moderate SE winds. Treeline temperatures falling to -18C.

Avalanche Summary

On Friday, a size 2 avalanche was triggered by a skier on a northeast aspect at 1900 m. The fracture depth was 30 cm and the slide ran for 150 m.

Snowpack Summary

Variable amounts of new snow have given storm slab depths ranging from approximately 20 to 50 cm. Extensive wind transport has build big wind drifts in many areas behind exposed terrain features. Two crusts have been identified in the snowpack: one close to the ground that formed in early November and one around 90 cm below the surface, which formed in early December. Snowpack tests indicate these crusts are well bonded to the snow above and below.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

The new storm has set up a storm slab on all aspects. Strong SW winds have transported storm snow into thick and touchy slabs on mainly north through east aspects.
Note recent avalanche activity.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Whumpfing, shooting cracks and recent avalanches are all strong indicators of an unstable snowpack.>The best powder will be found in sheltered locations at or below treeline.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 5