Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 10th, 2016–Dec 11th, 2016

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.

Strong winds have formed hard wind slabs in exposed terrain. Take time to evaluate the snowpack before deciding to travel into steeper wind loaded terrain.

Weather Forecast

The arctic ridge is well entrenched and cold temperatures and wind chill continues. Light snowfall, cloudy skies and alpine temperature of -12C is forecast for today. Sunday should be similar. Clear skies and temperatures plunging into the -20C range will start the new work week.

Snowpack Summary

Moderate to strong winds earlier in the week formed hard, variable windslabs that should be expected on exposed terrain at and above treeline. The bond of the most recent storm snow to the old snow surface is improving with field tests giving resistant results. The Nov 13 crust down 1-1.5m gives hard range deep tap test results.

Avalanche Summary

The most recent reported or observed avalanche activity is two days old. A skier triggered size 1.5 windslab on the SW aspect of Mt Cheops at 2300m. Pockets of windslab may still be reactive to human triggering especially in steeper terrain.

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Moderate to strong winds have created hard windslabs in exposed areas at and above treeline, and on all aspects. Cornices, unsupported features and steep cross-loaded terrain should be avoided. Evaluate wind loaded terrain before committing to it.

Avoid steep lee and cross-loaded slopesBe cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3