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Avalanche Forecast

Dec 15th, 2014–Dec 16th, 2014
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
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

Regions: South Columbia.

Stability has improved but there are still avalanche problems out there. If you see anything interesting, please submit an observation using our new website tool. For more details see: http://goo.gl/Tj0xPC

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

High pressure persists over the interior for the forecast period.  A weak disturbance will result in increased cloud cover for Tuesday.  Treeline temperatures will be around -6 and alpine winds should remain light.  The south of the region may see light scattered flurries but less than 1 cm is expected.  Wednesday and Thursday should see a mix of sun and cloud, treeline temperatures around -5, and light alpine winds.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported at publish time on Monday. On Sunday, explosive control produced avalanches to size 2.5.  These occurred on N-SE aspects between 2200 and 2500m elevation.  Slab depth varied from 30 to 90cm. On Saturday, isolated natural activity was reported up to size 2.5 above 2400m.

Snowpack Summary

A surface crust exists to around 2100m and is generally supportive to skiers. Above this elevation is dry storm snow which is settling out and faceting.  A new layer of surface hoar is currently forming on the snow surface.  In exposed alpine terrain, strong southerly winds last week may have resulted in variable distribution of the surface snow and the formation of wind slabs. A thick rain crust with facets from early November is buried over 1 m down. Snowpack tests on this deep weak layers are showing improving results, but in some locations these layers are still reactive and has the potential to release large slab avalanches.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong southerly winds last week created wind slabs in the alpine. Triggering these slabs has become more stubborn but they remain a concern, especially in steep, unsupported terrain.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

The likelihood of triggering a persistent slab has decreased but the consequences remain very high.  Be wary of any slopes that did not release during the storms.
Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 2 - 5