Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 19th, 2012–Mar 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

4: High

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Glacier.

Strong solar is possible again today. Loose avalanches are expected on slopes affected by the sun. A system will move in overnight bringing more snow and wind. This will result in rising avalanche danger at treeline and above tomorrow.

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

A widespread solar cycle occurred yesterday. Avalanches started on SE aspects early in the morning and followed the sun through to W aspects. The average avalanche was a size 2, with the largest being size 3. Activity will continue today.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Winds tapered off yesterday and overnight. Strong winds on Saturday formed stiff slabs on exposed slopes above treeline, now buried by 20cm. With a meter of storm snow available, wind transport has loaded slopes and built huge cornices.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Persistent Slabs

Managing deep persistent layers is tricky. The probability of triggering is low, but the consequence of triggering is very high. They will likely take a large trigger- cornice fall or another avalanche, but they will result in very large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 4