Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 27th, 2014–Dec 28th, 2014

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Northwest Coastal.

Watch for wind slabs lurking in unusual places as the wind shifts direction.

Confidence

Fair - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Cold and clear with strong outflowing N-NE winds.

Avalanche Summary

Over the last three days we've had reports of naturally and skier-triggered size 1-2 slabs, mostly wind slabs on lee slopes at treeline and above. Explosive control on Wednesday produced storm slab and wind slabs up to size 2.5.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 30cm new snow from Friday night may have buried old wind slabs. New wind slabs are likely to form on south to west-facing slopes as we shift into an outflow wind pattern. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well-settled. Several old crust layers exist but these appear to be well bonded.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Winds are expected to shift recent snow into slabs behind terrain breaks like ridges and ribs.

Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain not affected by the wind.>Travel on ridgetops to avoid wind slabs on slopes below.>

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3