Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 30th, 2015–Dec 31st, 2015

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

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: Jasper.

Meow is the time for getting high and traveling in the Alpine. The pronounced temp inversion can be especially problematic for ice climbing. High, steep, solar affected overhead features could release without warning.

Weather Forecast

High pressure and connected ridge is here and will stay put for the foreseeable future. Winds are forecasted to be light to moderate from the north. This is setting up a weak temp inversion which is expected to become more pronounced as the year comes to an end. High S aspects will be glorious riding and north aspects will stay nice, dry and cool.

Snowpack Summary

Variable and frustrating wind slabs in open or exposed terrain wreaking havoc with the riding conditions. The snowpack continues to facet with recent cold temperatures losing some overall depth as it drys and settles. The mid-pack is slowly weakening from the cold but thus far is still bridging the facetted base weakness in deeper areas.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported or observed.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Friday

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs can be expected to be most developed in the alpine and open tree-line ridge tops.

Avoid steep slopes below cornices.Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

The facetting process is weakening the mid-pack from the top down and bottom up. This situation would make it possible to trigger the weakness at the base of the snowpack as the support underfoot shrinks. Watch for this in shallower areas.

Carefully evaluate big terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes.Be cautious in shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2