Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 17th, 2016 3:00PM
The alpine rating is Loose Dry and Wind Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeAs winds begin to increase will likely likely see an increase in loose dry avalanches and stiffening wind slabs. We are on the cusp of a change.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Monday
Weather Forecast
Tomorrow we will see the blue sky begin to be pushed out slightly and more SW flow returning to the region. Winds will increase with the arrival of the warmer temperatures (-16c) and beginning late on Sunday night we can expect to see some precipitation FINALLY fall here again. Forecast amounts differ but roughly 10cm of snow should be expected based on the weather models on saturday eve.
Avalanche Summary
Only a few loose dry slides up to sz 1 were observed on Saturday out of steep unskiable terrain.
Snowpack Summary
Expect to encounter windslabs in open terrain in the alpine and at treeline and some un-distrubed snow in more sheltered areas. The 1112cr is down 50-70cm and producing variable results often within a few meters so be sure to evaluate this layer. The cold temps have certainly taken their toll on lower snowpack areas and they are weak and facetted.
Problems
Loose Dry
Loose dry avalanches can easily run far and fast over an ice climb so be mindful of overhead terrain before you commit. Winds increasing over the next 24hrs will likely trigger these avalanches in steeper terrain.
Carry avalanche safety equipment on ice climbs in avalanche terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Cold temps are breaking these down, the exception is in wind prone areas. Watch for a lingering hard slab as you approach wind features. It is possible that these may step down to the 1112 crust down 50cm so be sure to pull out that shovel and dig.
Watch for areas of hard wind slab in steep alpine features.Use caution on open slopes and convex rolls
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 18th, 2016 2:00PM