Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 15th, 2014 8:23AM
The alpine rating is Persistent Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Click the Avalanche Information tab at the top of the page and share your backcountry observations!
Summary
Confidence
Fair - Due to the number of field observations
Weather Forecast
A weak system will spread light snowfall and moderate southwest winds to the region on Tuesday. On Wednesday expect a mix of sun and cloud and light ridgetop winds. By late Thursday a more intense frontal system should impact the region bringing steady snowfall. Freezing levels should hover around 1000m for the forecast period.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported.
Snowpack Summary
The recent prolonged storm dropped 100-200 mm of water, with fluctuating freezing levels bringing rain at times to alpine elevations. Snow also accumulated above treeline, leading to deep wind slabs. Storm and winds slabs may remain problematic for the short term. However, my bigger concern is a buried crust/facet layer which formed in November and is now down 1-2 m. This woke up with the recent storm snow loading and has the potential for deep slabs and wide propagations, and does not inspire huge confidence. The likelihood of triggering this beast is dropping, however the consequences remain high.
Problems
Persistent Slabs
Although they've become more difficult to trigger, avalanches on deeply buried crystals would likely be destructive in nature. Use extra caution on steep, unsupported alpine terrain.
Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.>
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 16th, 2014 2:00PM