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Avalanche Forecast

Dec 23rd, 2015–Dec 24th, 2015
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: South Rockies.

Danger ratings are coming down, but human triggered avalanches remain possible, especially on the steeper more complex lines.

Confidence

Low

Weather Forecast

We are heading into a short dry spell for Christmas, but the good news is we are not expecting much wind and we should see clearing skies Friday and Saturday. THURSDAY: 0 to 5cm of snow, freezing level at valley bottom, light SW winds. FRIDAY: No snow expected, freezing level at valley bottom, light west winds. SATURDAY: No new snow, freezing level at valley bottom, moderate W/SW winds.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches to report from Tuesday. On Sunday and Monday a few naturally triggered size 1 to 2.5 storm slabs and numerous loose dry avalanches were reported.

Snowpack Summary

The series of recent storms has left us with around 50-80 cm new snow. Strong to extreme SW winds in specific areas in the south of the region on Sunday created wind slabs at all elevations. These may now be buried by subsequent snowfall, making them hard to spot. Cornices exist on many ridge crests. Recent storm snow overlies a hard rain crust. This strong, thick crust seems to be effectively isolating the lower snowpack.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Recent snow has formed touchy soft slabs and is also sluffing easily in steep terrain. This new snow may be hiding hard wind slabs on slopes lee to the SW.
Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>Choose well supported terrain without convexities.>Avoid recently wind loaded features and use ridges/ribs to sneak around these problem areas.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 4