Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 9th, 2016–Dec 10th, 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 created hard wind slabs. Use extra caution in steep wind loaded terrain.

Weather Forecast

An arctic ridge continues to dominate the weather. A mix of sun and cloud with dry conditions and an alpine temperature of -15 is expected for today. Temperatures rise slightly tomorrow as the pressure dips and allows some light precipitation with gusty winds. The ridge takes hold again on Sunday with temperatures plunging into the -20 realm.

Snowpack Summary

The winds have picked up again and hard wind slabs can be expected on glaciers and exposed lee features. Recent storm snow is stabilizing with resistant results in stability tests. The Nov 13 crust, down 1 - 1.5 m is reacting in the hard range to deep tap tests.

Avalanche Summary

Natural avalanche activity has tapered off. A skier triggered a size 1.5 wind slab on the SW aspect of Mt Cheops yesterday at 2300m. Similar wind slabs will likely be reactive to human triggering where they exist in steep terrain that receives heavy wind loading.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Variable gusting winds have created hard wind slabs at ridge top, in exposed areas, and on all aspects. Expect cornices and cross-loaded features lower on slopes to be reactive. Stay observant and approach wind loaded areas carefully.

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

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3