Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 7th, 2012 4:00PM
The alpine rating is Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeThe recent storm snow has helped create very good conditions. Some hidden hazards remain. JBW
Summary
Weather Forecast
A short lived ridge on Saturday will be followed by a weak system Sunday. In the wake of Sunday's storm, the Arctic Front will descend southwards bringing colder temperatures
Snowpack Summary
Some wind slabs in open areas at and above treeline. Lower snowpack is well settled with some shears that are producing moderate resistant planar results. Major concerns are stubborn to touchy windslabs on north and east aspects with avalanche potential to size 2 and deep persistent slabs stubborn, isolated to size three failing on November crust.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches in the past 24 hrs. Storm related avalanches from the last week to size two in wind effected areas. Explosive control to size 3 stepping down to Nov. Crust.
Confidence
Problems
Wind Slabs
Soft to hard wind slabs can be found on lee and cross loaded slopes at and above treeline. Triggering is still possible on the right slope.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.
- Avoid steep lee and cross-loaded features
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
Isolated deep slabs have been noted every few days over the last month. Some of these have been explosive triggered and some natural, all failing near the ground on Nov 6 rain crust or glacial ice. There is still a concern for human triggering.
- Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.
- Choose well supported terrain without convexities.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 8th, 2012 4:00PM