Avalanche Forecast
Dec 16th, 2011–Dec 17th, 2011
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
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
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
Regions: Glacier.
Forecasts predict greater snowfall intensity for N. Columbia. Rogers Pass is at the boundary between N. and S. Columbia. Watch for periods of intense snowfall and rising temps Treeline to Alpine today. Danger ratings will rise if this occurs.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Dry
Expect sluffing to small avalanches in steep terrain up to low alpine, failing on large surface hoar crystals buried Dec 11 and 14. Up to 30cm of loose surface snow can move once this layer fails.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Deep Persistent Slabs
Areas of thin snow cover with weak facetted crystals over an early season crust or facets. Glide cracks with potential to produce large slab avalanches are showing up throughout the area at all elevations. Glide crack releases are hard to predict
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Unlikely
Expected Size: 2 - 4