Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 31st, 2016–Jan 1st, 2017

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

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

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: Glacier.

Conservative terrain selection is required today for safe travel. Be cautious what's above you, avalanches have the potential to run full path!

Weather Forecast

Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries, alpine temperature of -12C and ridge top winds south west 15-25km/h. A weak low pressure system is being pushed south of us by an incoming High Pressure system, bringing clear cold conditions starting tomorrow. The cold weather is forecasted to last until the 5th of January.

Snowpack Summary

60 + cm of new snow in the last 72 hours at tree line accompanied by mod to strong winds has created a slab @ tree line and in the Alpine. A total of 1m of Storm snow also overlies the Dec 18 Facet interface, which was reactive to Artillery control on Southerly aspects yesterday.

Avalanche Summary

Widespread natural and artillery controlled avalanche cycle yesterday to size 3 all aspects and elevations. The largest Avalanche though was just west of the park on Mt. Fortitude (size 4)

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

60+ cm of new snow in the last 72 hours at tree line has created storm slabs most reactive at tree line and in the Alpine. The storm slab also stepped down to the Dec 18th interface yesterday on steep shallow southerly aspects with artillery control.

The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.If triggered the storm slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Moderate to strong winds have created wind slabs on all aspects, most reactive in the Alpine. These hidden slabs could be hiding under the new storm snow and have the potential to step down to deeper storm slabs

Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3