Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 24th, 2018–Dec 25th, 2018

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Glacier.

Asses the terrain and snowpack, test areas of little consequence before committing to your line as the buried persistent weak layers can produce large avalanches if triggered.

Weather Forecast

Unfortunately there won't be a blower 50cm pow day on Christmas this year. A mix of sun and cloud for the day, an alpine high of -10, light ridge top winds from the South and a freezing level remaining at valley bottom. Chance of isolated flurries over the next few days with cool temps and light winds with some snow in the forecast on Saturday.

Snowpack Summary

Great skiing/riding conditions on 60cm of settled storm snow. Pockets of wind slab may be lingering in lee features and cross loads in the alpine and open tree line areas. The Dec 9 and Nov 21 persistent weak layers are down ~100-120cm and still producing Hard and Sudden test results.

Avalanche Summary

Several size 2.5 - 3 natural avalanches were observed yesterday from extreme terrainA widespread avalanche cycle, sz 2 - 3.5 occurred Friday morning with the strong/extreme SW winds. A large sz 3.5 avalanche from Grizzly Peak / Dispatchers Bowl buried 80m of the Connaught Creek skin track, which traveled over 2km from the alpine to valley bottom.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

The Dec 9 and Nov 21 persistent weak layers are down ~100-120cm and consists of surface hoar, facets, or a sun crust. Sudden test results are being seen on this layer. Human triggered avalanches on these layers remains possible.

Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3.5

Wind Slabs

We have minimal observations from alpine terrain and have concerns of lingering pockets of wind slab; especially in immediate lee features below ridge crests and on cross-loaded slopes. Use caution and tread carefully entering new terrain.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2