Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 11th, 2017–Dec 12th, 2017

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Glacier.

By midday it feels like spring in the alpine. Use caution near or below steep rock features on solar aspects.Best snow quality found in sheltered areas on shaded aspects.

Weather Forecast

A ridge of high pressure continues to dominate the region with no snow in the immediate future. A temperature inversion (-13 valley bottom, +5 alpine) keeps valley bottoms in a deep freeze while warm temps and sun bring spring like conditions to solar aspects in the alpine. Expect light winds from the southwest... It might snow on Friday...

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is well settled and the Nov 23 (dwn ~90cm) and Nov 26 (dwn ~65cm) crusts are bonding well. Surface hoar is growing below 2200m and the upper snowpack is beginning to facet. The alpine has seen above freezing temps for the last several days and a thin crust can be found on solar aspects. Isolated pockets of windslab in the alpine.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous loose avalanches up to size 2 were observed on steep solar aspects, especially near rocky outcrops in the last few days. These avalanches have been triggered by warm alpine temps and strong solar heating.

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

A temperature inversion continues to bring above zero temps to the alpine. The warm temps, with a nudge from strong solar input, can cause loose avalanches on steep S and W aspects. Rock outcrops will heat up fastest with the sun's rays.

Best conditions on sheltered northerly aspects.Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2