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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 12th, 2014–Dec 13th, 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: Little Yoho.

Cooler temperatures will lock down the snowpack below treeline this weekend. Be cautious on higher elevation features where the basal layers can be triggered.  Ski quality is less than ideal, but its a good forecast for ice climbers. SH

Weather Forecast

A forecasted cooling trend for this weekend will see freezing levels to valley bottom.  Winds will be light for the next 3 days.  There is the possibility of a few cm Sat. but dont expect much!  Beyond that, there is no significant snow in the short, mid, or long range forecasts.

Snowpack Summary

Strong SW winds have stripped windward aspects and created wind slabs in lee terrain in the alpine. Mild temperatures have promoted settlement in upper pack, but lower basal rain crust/facets at treeline and in the alpine remain weak. Warm temps and rain below treeline have promoted rapid settlement and a decrease in snow depths.

Avalanche Summary

A road patrol today though Field to Emerald Lake did not see any new avalanche activity.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain on Saturday

Avalanche Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Snowpack tests show that the weak facets at the base of the snowpack continue to be a concern.

  • Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Strong southwest winds have stripped windward areas and created fresh wind slabs in lee terrain in the alpine. These wind slabs will be reactive in the short term.

  • Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2