Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 8th, 2012 9:09AM
The alpine rating is Wind Slabs, Storm Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeSummary
Confidence
Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain
Weather Forecast
Monday: 30-40cm of snow is expected Sunday night and into Monday. / Moderate to strong southwest winds / Freezing level dropping from 1500m to 600m throughout the day Tuesday: Mix of sun and cloud with light flurries / light to moderate northwest winds / Freezing level at surface Wednesday: Clear / light to moderate north winds / Freezing level at surface
Avalanche Summary
There have been no new avalanches to report in the last 48 hours.
Snowpack Summary
At treeline, the snowpack sits at about 260cm.In the upper snowpack, weaknesses within and under last week's 80cm of storm snow have gained significant strength. Expect significant new wind slab and storm slab development with forecast weather.Persistent weaknesses remain a concern in the many parts of the region. In the mid-pack, facets with an associated crust (resulting from the early December dry spell) at treeline and alpine areas are probably down well over a metre in most places. This layer still seems to be reactive, particularly in shallow areas or terrain with variable snow depths (cross-loaded features, moraines). In the lower snowpack, basal facets from early november should also be on your radar. They may just be waiting for the right trigger (heavy storm loading, cornice fall, step-down avalanches). Any activity on either of these persistent weaknesses would be highly destructive in nature.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Storm Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 9th, 2012 8:00AM