Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 3rd, 2012–Jan 4th, 2012

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

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: Little Yoho.

< 5cm of new snow is expected tonight; this will have little effect on the danger rating. A 2nd pulse in the storm track may produce up to 20cm at higher elevation on Thurs with mod to strong wind. Watch for loading and fresh wind-slabs.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs up to 1m deep are triggerable by climbers and riders in avalanche terrain. One thing to observe is the hardness of the slab; the greater the hardness, the greater the propagation potential. In sum, this means large avalanches are possible.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

The basal facets/depth hoar are becoming less reactive in field tests, but If a wind slab is initiated, it may have enough volume to step down to create larger avalanches. Other trigger points will be thin, cross-loaded features.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3