Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 17th, 2012–Mar 18th, 2012

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Alpine

4: High

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Alpine

4: High

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high

Treeline

4: High

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high

Below Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Regions: Glacier.

Orange means CAUTION! Natural activity is decreasing but skier triggering remains likely with very high consequences. Forecast sun will raise danger in the next few days. Avoid exposure to solar slopes if the sun arrives sooner than expected.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind has been a big factor in recent avalanches. S and N winds have transported snow loading slopes, forming soft slabs at ridgecrests and building large cornices. Windloading or cornice fall may trigger deeper layers. Skiers may trigger windslabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Storm Slabs

25cm of snow in the past 48hrs is unconsolidated and will sluff fast on steep slopes. A meter of snow from the past week, with mild temperatures and S winds have formed a cohesive storm slab. Triggering is most likely on convex, unsupported slopes

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Persistent Slabs

The Feb persistent layers are down 1.5 to 2m and producing climax avalanches. A natural off of Teddybear ridge was 1.5m deep, logged mature timber, and hit standard uptracks. These layers are most likely to be triggered by cornice fall or step down.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 3 - 4