Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 2nd, 2014–Dec 3rd, 2014

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

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

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 Columbia.

The storm ended last weekend, but large and destructive avalanches are still possible. Remain conservative in your terrain selection.

Confidence

Fair - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

A ridge of high pressure will maintain mainly dry conditions for Wednesday and Thursday. For both days, expect a mix of sun and cloud with very light flurries and alpine temperatures of about -9. Winds should be light to moderate from the northwest on Wednesday switching to light and southwesterly by Thursday. A moist and warm southwest flow will bring snowfall to the region late Friday with freezing levels creeping up to about 1500m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported, although the November persistent weaknesses continue to be our primary concern. Avalanche activity on these deep layers is expected to be less frequent, although the potential consequences of a release continue to be severe.

Snowpack Summary

A dusting of low density snow overlies a variety of surfaces which may include wind slabs at higher elevations and a hard rain crust that extends to about 1900m. Approximately 100cm below the surface you'll likely find weak crystals which formed throughout early and mid-November. These weak crystals include facets on a hard rain crust, and surface hoar (which may also sit on a crust on steep southerly slopes). Recent snowpack tests suggest the layers can still be human triggered, and if triggered, are capable of producing wide propagations and large avalanches.

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

Up to 100cm of recent storm snow overlies weak crystals which are most reactive at higher elevations. Remain conservative in your terrain selection and avoid steeper, unsupported planar slopes.

Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of buried weak layers.>Conditions may have improved, but be mindful that deep instabilities are still present.>Caution around convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 5