Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Nov 22nd, 2014–Nov 23rd, 2014

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Glacier.

The winter permit system is not yet in effect. Click here for more information. Our first significant snowfall in some time with new surface hoar that has just been buried in addition to a buried crust. Our snowpack does not inspire confidence.

Weather Forecast

Snow will continue to fall with associated south winds until this afternoon when it will taper off until tomorrow. A second system is expected to arrive to the interior bringing light to moderate amounts. Temperatures are expected to hover around -5 and -10 at 1900m.

Snowpack Summary

30cm of storm snow overlies the Nov 21 surface hoar layer at tree line elevations. The surface hoar crystals were observed to be much larger below tree line so once the slab overtop stiffens up, expect it to be more reactive at lower elevations on smooth open slopes. Nov 9 rain crust is down 50-60cm and the Nov 3 crust is down ~70-80cm.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations on Sunday

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Loose Dry

Loose Dry avalanches are the release of dry unconsolidated snow and typically occur within layers of soft snow near the surface of the snowpack. These avalanches start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-dry avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs.