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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 26th, 2018–Dec 27th, 2018
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Glacier.

Still feels a lot like Christmas; great skiing, decent visibility, and a moderate avalanche hazard. There are still some concerns on specific terrain features, travel accordingly.

Weather Forecast

A mix of sun and cloud with a trace of snow, we'll see an alpine high of -11°c, and light winds from the South. Continued cool temperatures with light winds and isolated flurries tomorrow, freezing levels should remain at valley bottom. On the weekend it will warm up and start snowing; forecasts are showing 30+cm should fall by Monday morning.

Snowpack Summary

Over half of our snow pack can be attributed to the steady December snowfalls. Pockets of wind slab are lingering in lee features and cross loaded slopes in the alpine and treeline. The Dec 9 and Nov 21 interfaces are down ~100-120cm and still producing Hard and Sudden test results. We have no persistent weak layers in the upper snowpack.

Avalanche Summary

On Christmas day we observed 3 size 2 wind slabs in the HWY corridor on North aspects out of very steep terrain. No new observations from the back country yesterday. There is a significant MIN report from just east of Glacier National Park from the 23rd of Dec. Snowmobile triggered size 2.5-3 deep slab avalanche on a NW aspect near Silent Pass.

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations.

Avalanche Problems

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

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 depending on aspect and elevation. Human triggered avalanches on these layers are unlikely but still possible.
Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.Avoid thin, rocky or unsupported slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3