Avalog
Register
Get forecast notifications
Create an account to receive email notifications when forecasts are published.
Register
Login
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 5th, 2019–Dec 6th, 2019
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
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
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
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Regions: Glacier.

The new snow remains reactive to skiers and riders and will require time to stabilize. Watch for slab formation as you approach treeline.

Weather Forecast

A high pressure system will briefly replace the falling snow today. Expect a mix of sun and cloud with an alpine high of -7 and light SW winds with gusts to 30km/hr. A cold front arrives tonight bringing strong SW winds and 13cm of new snow. Snowfall continues with 17cm Friday and 16cm Saturday. By sunday, cold and clear weather will take hold.

Snowpack Summary

Approximately 70cm of snow has fallen since December 2. The new snow is poorly bonded to buried layers. During the peak of the storm, strong winds formed touchy slabs on lee features in the alpine. The November 23rd surface hoar/crust layer is buried 60-80cm.

Avalanche Summary

Natural avalanche activity continued yesterday with help from ongoing the storm conditions. Numerous large natural avalanches to size 3.0 were observed in the highway corridor, with many reaching the end of their paths. Artillery avalanche control in the highway corridor produced large avalanches with nearly every shot.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

70cm of new storm snow has created reactive avalanche conditions on all aspects and elevations. Strong winds during the storm created pockets of heavy loading and slabs on lee features in the alpine.

  • If triggered the storm slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
  • The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3

Persistent Slabs

Storm slabs have the potential to step down to a buried weak layer (Nov 23 Surface Hoar/ Crust) now down 60-80cm. It consists of surface hoar at treeline and below, and a crust on steep solar aspects into the alpine.

  • Minimize overhead exposure; avalanches may reach the end of run out zones.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2.5 - 3.5