Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

We are heading into a short dry spell for Christmas, but the good news is we are not expecting much wind and we should see clearing skies Friday and Saturday. THURSDAY: 1 to 3cm of snow, freezing level at valley bottom, light SW winds. FRIDAY: No snow expected, freezing level at valley bottom, light N/NW winds. SATURDAY: No new snow, freezing level at valley bottom, light S/SW winds.

No new avalanches to report from Tuesday. On Monday, skier triggering of avalanches eased, but control work still produced several size 1 to 2 storm slabs. On Sunday skiers triggered numerous loose dry and soft slab avalanches in the size 1 to 2 range. There were also numerous natural loose dry and storm slab avalanches out of steep terrain.

Up to 55 cm of low density snow now covers various surfaces, including the reactive mid-December surface hoar. This surface hoar can be found on all aspects in protected areas, but does not seem to be widespread across the region. In many areas, the new snow sits on top of a thin rain crust. No matter what the new snow overlies, it has been bonding poorly in most steep terrain. Moderate SW winds recently formed fresh wind slabs on lee features at treeline and in the alpine. At treeline elevation the early December crust, down around 50-100 cm, is thick and supportive, and may be capping deeper weaknesses. It may also be providing a good sliding surface for the odd larger avalanche.