Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 19th, 2012–Jan 20th, 2012

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Regions: Glacier.

Slight alpine inversion today with Fidelity -22.0 at 7 am. No new snow. winds L-M from NE. Cold temps persist into Friday, with snow and milder temps beginning later Friday. Danger ratings will rise with rapid loading and moderate snowfall Saturday!

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

South winds have produced slabs on exposed terrain from below tree line to alpine ridges. Reverse loading began yesterday with L-M winds from the NE. Thin slabs were observed from all elevations yesterday. Watch cross loaded and gully features today.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Loose Dry

Light density loose snow still exists in sheltered openings at and below tree line. Power sluffing in steep glades could fail deeper storm snow weaknesses. In most areas winds and cold temperatures have tightened the snow surface.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Storm Slabs

A freezing rain crust down 50 - 60cm is more prevalent west of Rogers Pass summit. This layer reacts in the hard range on tests. It remains a concern with larger triggers from step down avalanches or cornice fall. Cornice failure is a concern.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3