Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 5th, 2012–Feb 6th, 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

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Glacier.

As the sun hits slopes, loose avalanches follow. This is a localized and predictable problem, specific to solar aspects. Pay attention to areas affected by the sun: the slope or cornice above you might be getting cooked.

Avalanche Problems

Cornices

Large cornices are have formed along ridges. They often fail when weakened by solar warming. Cornices are large triggers capable of triggering deeper layers. They are easily triggered when traveling along ridges, often pulling far back from the ridge

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 4

Loose Dry

Avalanches have been occurring as the sun hits slopes. Expect loose avalanches on solar aspects, most likely triggered on steep slopes with rocky outcrops. Avoid exposure to slopes that are in the sun. Sun crusts have formed on steep solar slopes.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Wind Slabs

The storms during the last 2 weeks of January came in with strong southerly winds, resulting in a series of windslabs. They are most prevalent at ridgecrest. Use caution on steep, unsupported features in the alpine.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3