Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 3rd, 2012–Jan 4th, 2012

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

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

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Glacier.

Deep basal avalanches are still popping out in high alpine areas. The possibility of moderate to heavy snowfall, combined with very warm temperatures, high freezing levels and strong winds in the next 2 days will elevate the danger rating.

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

Profiles still indicate that the Dec. 11 and Dec. 24 SH layers are reactive, but hard to trigger. The snowpack "feels" good; but don't forget that these layers are capable of being triggered and propagating if you hit the right spot.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 4

Wind Slabs

Isolated wind slabs at ridge tops are still reactive, causing whumphing and cracking in shallow places like Avalanche Crest. Watch for step-down into deeper buried surface hoar layers which are becoming stubborn to react but could propagate widely.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

In the high alpine basal weaknesses exist and may cause large or very large avalanches. These may slide from large triggers or during periods of heavy storm loading. Large glide cracks failing near ground are also a significant concern this year.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 3 - 4