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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 25th, 2012–Dec 26th, 2012
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: Purcells.

Confidence

Fair - Timing of incoming weather is uncertain on Friday

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: Isolated flurries with generally overcast skies, winds light to moderate from the southwest and alpine temperatures near -11.Thursday and Friday: A weak ridge of high pressure will give generally dry conditions, winds light from the west and alpine temperatures near -12.

Avalanche Summary

Recent reports indicate both natural and skier triggered avalanches to size 1.5 in wind loaded features.

Snowpack Summary

A wind event from last week formed relatively deep wind slabs in the alpine. New snow combined with wind has formed fresh wind slabs on the surface. The mid-pack is reported to be settling well. Recent reports indicate late November surface hoar (near the middle of the snowpack) and  early November crust (near the base of the snowpack) have been inactive as of late. It's important to note that professionals are still cautious about these lingering persistent slab problems, but the likelihood of triggering is low. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack, where triggering a persistent weakness is more likely.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Watch for newly formed and buried windslabs in in the lee of terrain features.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.>Stay well to the windward side of corniced ridges.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 4