Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 3rd, 2014 4:00PM
The alpine rating is Deep Persistent Slabs, Wind Slabs and Loose Dry.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeWatch locally for N/NW winds in the next 24 hours. It wont take much to cause the hazard to go to High at upper elevations. We still have an overall weak snowpack, and have low confidence in bigger terrain. Ski quality is good in sheltered areas.SH
Summary
Weather Forecast
A N/NW flow with light - mod. winds will dominate for the next few days, with temperatures cooling to -15C Friday night. Expect a clearing trend with a trace of snow Friday night and none expected for the weekend
Snowpack Summary
20-30cm fell(tapering off to the W) in the last 24 hours, with little wind effect overall. 100cm at treeline on average. This new snow overlies previous wind slabs which sit over the basal depth hoar/ crust. Mod compression results found today at treeline on Hwy 93.N, collapsing in the depth hoar. More supportive midpack W of the divide.
Avalanche Summary
Numerous avalanches to sz. 2.5 stepping to ground were observed in the alpine today on numerous aspects, but a widespread avalanche cycle did not occur (probably due to lack of wind). A size 2 poured over Pilsner Pillar on Mt. Dennis and left of Silk Tassel on Mt. Field. We have been seeing isolated slides like this every day for over a week.
Confidence
Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
This is the main layer of concern. Full depth avalanches on the basal depth hoar and crust have been occurring every day in the last week. The new snow has added stress to this layer, and will be easiest to trigger this layer in thin snowpack areas.
- Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Watch for areas of wind loading or open areas with wind effect. If a wind slab is triggered it may step down to the weak basal layers. The new snow will be hiding these wind slabs in many areas.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.
- Avoid freshly wind loaded features.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
The 20-30 cm of new snow can be expected to slough with any wind that occurs over the next 24 hours. Ice climbers should especially watch for sloughing in steep gully features and terrain traps.
- Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 4th, 2014 4:00PM