Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 22nd, 2011–Dec 23rd, 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

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: South Rockies.

Confidence

Fair - Due to variable snopack conditions

Weather Forecast

Friday: Mostly sunny with gusty (up to 80km/h) westerly winds. Expect temps to -7. Saturday & Sunday: A mix of sun and cloud, with a chance of localized flurries. Continued westerly winds with highs near 0 each afternoon.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches

Snowpack Summary

Westerly winds continue, creating windslabs on lee locations in the alpine and open treeline. A buried layer of surface hoar lies approximately 20 cm below the snow surface. Reports indicate this layer was blown around before it was buried and can only be found in isolated, sheltered locations at and below treeline. A well settled mid pack bridges over the basal weaknesses at the ground. This layer was responsible for some large releases earlier on in the season. However, there hasn't been any activity on this layer since early December and confidence is growing that it is gaining strength.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Shifting winds have set up windslabs on a variety of aspects, particularly north through southeast.Cross-loading is also possible on open slopes oriented parallel to the wind, which contain features and gullies to catch wind-drifted snow.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

Thin slabs may be reactive on the mid-December surface hoar/facet combo. Low mass events, but running far.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2