Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 7th, 2011–Dec 8th, 2011

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

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: Northwest Coastal.

Confidence

Fair - Due to limited field observationsfor the entire period

Weather Forecast

Thursday and Friday: A mix of sun and cloud, but no precipitation expected. Moderate to strong westerly winds and freezing levels rising throughout Thursday reaching as high as 1500m on friday. Saturday: Increasing cloud with light precipitation possible by midday. Freezing levels dropping back down to valley bottoms.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous natural loose wet avalanches up to Size 2 with isolated Size 2.5s were observed during the warm and wet weather on Monday. Large glide avalanches from steep rock slabs were also observed; one was reported to be size 3.5.

Snowpack Summary

Alpine areas are wind-blasted with soured areas and deep drifts on all aspects. Overnight rain up to 1100m in the north, and alpine elevations in the south, likely melted surface hoar, settled surface facets, and froze crust. Glide cracks are opening and cornices are weakening.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Isolated weak wind slabs may still be lurking below ridge crests, behind terrain features, and in cross-loaded gullies.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 4