Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 9th, 2017–Dec 10th, 2017

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

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

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

Regions: Glacier.

With today's high alpine temperature, pay special attention near or below rocky outcrops in the sun.

Weather Forecast

A stagnant ridge of high pressure continues to dominate the weather pattern with no precipitation in the immediate future. A strong temperature inversion keeps low clouds trapped in the valleys while warm temperatures and sun bake the alpine. Expect light ridge top winds from the southwest with alpine temperatures reaching +3 degrees(or warmer!).

Snowpack Summary

Yesterday's sun and temperature inversion affected the surface snow. In the alpine expect to find a crust on solar aspects. Previous south winds have likely created windslabs at ridgetop. Below the inversion line large surface hoar has been growing and the upper snowpack is starting to facet. So far the bond is good at the Nov 26 crust interface.

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.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

The strong alpine temperature inversion continues bringing above zero temps to the alpine. The warm temps, with a nudge from strong solar input, will cause loose slides on steep S & 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: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2