Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 10th, 2012–Jan 11th, 2012

Alpine

4: High

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Glacier.

Expect wind slabs near ridges in the alpine and at treeline, and watch out for avalanches reaching to the end of runout zones.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

50 cm of snow overlies a storm snow instability. Overnight 10-15cm of snow has fallen with winds peaking at 100 km/h. Expect these slabs at Treeline and above. Avalanches triggered in this layer could trigger deeper slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Persistent Slabs

The Dec. 11 SH layer continues to produce avalanches when heavily loaded such as during or after periods of snowfall or wind. A fracture line profile at 1600m showed this slab failing 110 cm deep during the last storm on Jan 6.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 4

Deep Persistent Slabs

In the high alpine basal weaknesses exist and may cause large or very large avalanches. These may slide from large triggers or during periods of heavy storm loading. Large glide cracks failing near ground are also a significant concern this year.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 3 - 4