Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 23rd, 2018 3:44PM
The alpine rating is Storm Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeThe weekend's storm brought substantial snowfall to the region. The snow will likely need a bit more time to bond to an underlying crust.
Summary
Confidence
High.
Weather Forecast
SUNDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy, freezing level 1000 m. MONDAY: Mostly cloudy with trace snowfall, light south winds, treeline temperature -2°c, freezing level 1000 m. TUESDAY: Sunny with afternoon clouds, light northwest winds, treeline temperature -3°c, freezing level 600 m. WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5 cm, light to moderate southwest winds, treeline temperature -2°c, freezing level 500 m.
Avalanche Summary
Reports indicate that the storm snow was reactive to skier traffic on Saturday and Sunday during the storm. Skiers were able to initiate loose dry and storm slab avalanches. Small loose dry avalanches were also capable of triggering storm slab avalanches, which ran far. The likelihood of triggering this storm snow should decrease for Monday, as a clearing trend prevails.
Snowpack Summary
Upwards of 60 cm of snow accumulated on Sunday. This snow fell on a melt-freeze crust that was formed during Thursday's storm. Reports indicate that the snow is bonding well to the crust in certain areas but that the storm snow can slide on the crust in other areas. Expect the deepest deposits in lee terrain features around treeline and alpine elevations.
Problems
Storm Slabs
40 to 60 cm of snow accumulated in the region on the weekend. Observe for the bond of the new snow to an underlying crust before committing to larger or steeper terrain features.
Cornices are large and unstable. Give cornices a wide berth.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.Avoid travel near cliffs or gullies, where small avalanches may have severe consequences.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 24th, 2018 2:00PM