Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 17th, 2011–Dec 18th, 2011

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

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

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: South Rockies.

Confidence

Fair - Due to variable snopack conditions

Weather Forecast

Sunday: Flurries. Alpine temperatures dropping to around -8?C. Moderate northwesterly winds.Monday: Mostly dry. Alpine temperatures around -8?C. Moderate westerly winds.Tuesday: Light snowfall. Alpine temperatures around -4?C. Strong westerly winds.

Avalanche Summary

Recent reports of riders triggering small wind slabs on NE aspects around 2100 m are now a few days old, but still valid, given the recent wind event.

Snowpack Summary

A significant wind event early on Saturday has redistributed snow, scouring west-facing slopes and depositing highly variable wind slabs on east-facing slopes. A buried layer of surface hoar lies approximately 20 cm below the snow surface. Reports indicate this layer was blown around before it was buried and can only be found in isolated, sheltered locations. A well settled mid pack bridges over the basal weaknesses at the ground. The crust/facet combo still exists at the ground. This layer was responsible for some large releases earlier on in the season. However, there hasn't been any activity on this layer since early December and confidence is growing that it is gaining strength.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

A significant wind event has set up highly variable wind slabs on north through east aspects. Cross-loading is possible on open slopes generally oriented parallel to the wind, which contain features and gullies to catch wind-drifted snow.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3