Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 29th, 2012 9:33AM
The alpine rating is Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeSummary
Confidence
Fair - Due to limited field observations
Weather Forecast
Saturday night and Sunday: An upper ridge remains over the coast bringing dry conditions and light W winds until a front reaches the coast in the evening Sunday. Monday: Only traces of precipitations associated with the weak front are expected to reach inland and winds should be felt moderate to strong from the Southwest. Freezing levels are expected to remain at the surface but temperatures to warm up slightly with the arrival of the front. Tuesday: Temperatures around -4 C, no precipitation, light SE winds.
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanches have been reported.
Snowpack Summary
A few cm fell since yesterday with relatively light winds from the NW. As a general overview, a shallow snowpack (about 1m deep) exists, with facets that have continued to develop with this week's cool arctic air. Strong winds have scoured some SE aspects in the alpine to ground. Wind slabs exist in many wind-exposed areas, however their distribution is quite variable and some areas have no wind-effect at all. Below treeline, very loose cold snow is sluffing easily from steep terrain and early season hazards like exposed stumps are still to watch for. Professionals are still mindful of a facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack. Although triggering it has become unlikely, it may be possible from a thin-spot trigger point or with a very heavy load (e.g. cornice fall).
Problems
Wind Slabs
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 30th, 2012 2:00PM