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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 12th, 2023–Dec 13th, 2023
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
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Heavy snow and strong winds will elevate the avalanche hazard throughout Wednesday.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A few slab and loose avalanches (sz 1 to 2) were reported on Monday, all on southerly aspects and likely triggered by solar input on Monday afternoon.

With the current winds and forecast snow, we anticipate natural avalanche activity to occur throughout the day on Wednesday.

If you are out in the backcountry please consider filling out a MIN report.

Snowpack Summary

Expect to find widespread wind-affected surfaces at higher elevations with up to 70 cm of recent snow being redistributed by strong to extreme alpine winds. In more sheltered areas this recent snow may overlie large, feathery surface hoar.

The mid snowpack contains several crusts from November that are generally well-bonded to the surrounding snowpack. The height of snow at treeline is roughly 150 cm and tapers rapidly below treeline.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Cloudy with 10 to 30 cm of snow, southwest alpine winds 70 to 110 km/h, treeline temperature -5 °C.

Wednesday

Cloudy with 10 to 20 cm of snow, southwest alpine winds 50 to 60 km/h, treeline temperature -5 °C.

Thursday

Mix of sun and cloud with no precipitation, southwest alpine winds 40 to 60 km/h, treeline temperature -7 °C.

Friday

Mostly cloudy with 2 to 10 cm of snow, southwest alpine winds 60 to 90 km/h, treeline temperature -7 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
  • Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
  • Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Widespread storm and wind slab formation will continue throughout the day Wednesday.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5