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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 5th, 2012–Dec 6th, 2012

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
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.

Regions

Northwest Coastal.

Confidence

Poor - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

Thursday: The region will be under the influence of a Westerly zonal flow. This will bring cooler temperatures, mainly cloudy skies and continuous light-moderate snow, alpine temps -9, ridgetop winds S 30km/hr. Friday through Saturday: A weak low pressure system moves into the region bringing moderate snow, ridgetop winds W 15 km/hr, and alpine temps near -10.

Avalanche Summary

Tuesday: Isolated natural size 2.0 avalanches from steep terrain features. Numerous size 2.0 explosive controlled avalanches 1400 m and above on North aspects , running within the new storm snow.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 60 cm of new storm snow, accompanied by strong NW-SE winds has fallen over the region in the past 4 days. Wind slabs continue to dominate the upper snowpack. The snow surface conditions in the alpine and at treeline are variable with hard slabs, wind slabs and areas that are scoured. Recent test results done in the upper storm snow show an easy (RP) shear down 20-25 cm and a hard (RP) down 80 cm. The mid-pack is gaining strength and is well settled.Digging down deeper is the early November facet/crust layer. This crust sits near the base of the snowpack, and tests done in the Bear Pass area around 1100 m have shown this layer to be unreactive. Testing done in the Shames area on this interface have also shown no results, with moist snow below. Total snowpack depth above 1000 m is 150-200 cm deep. Below 1000 m the snowpack shows a sharp transition from 100 cm dropping to 50 cm, and is generally below threshold.For more information and observations from the area, please check out the Regional Forum Posts.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind 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.

Deep Persistent Slabs

Deep Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a thick cohesive layer of hard snow (a slab), when the bond breaks between the slab and an underlying persistent weak layer deep in the snowpack. The most common persistent weak layers involved in deep, persistent slabs are depth hoar or facets surrounding a deeply buried crust. Deep Persistent Slabs are typically hard to trigger, are very destructive and dangerous due to the large mass of snow involved, and can persist for months once developed. They are often triggered from areas where the snow is shallow and weak, and are particularly difficult to forecast for and manage.