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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 18th, 2011–Dec 19th, 2011
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Glacier.

New snow and windloading has brought the snowpack to the tipping point. A widespread avalanche cycle occurred overnight, with avalanches to size 3.5 running to valley bottom. Avalanche control is ongoing and producing large results.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

20 to 30cm of snow fell overnight, bringing the storm snow to 50cm. Moderate to strong southerly winds will have transported snow, loading lee slopes and forming windslabs on open slopes. Overnight, windloading triggered avalanches to size 3.5

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Storm Slabs

A 50cm storm slab overlies a weak surface hoar/facet layer, and on steep southerly aspects a sun crust. Tests indicate this layer will propagate, and it is very reactive to skiers. As the slab becomes more cohesive it will produce larger avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Deep Persistent Slabs

A weak basal crust is present in the alpine and has been responsible for large avalanches. Thin snowpack areas, along ridgecrests and in rocky areas are weak and facetted. These deep layers may be triggered by skiers from thin snowpack areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 3 - 4