Dashboard Regions Weather Stations Radar Alerts Glossary
Contact About
Log In

Register for an account and never miss a forecast again!

Register

Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 25th, 2012–Dec 26th, 2012

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

South Columbia.

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

Reports from the weekend indicate a size 2 skier triggered avalanche from steep northeast facing terrain in the alpine. This was triggered from a cornice on a ridge crest. Other reports indicate isolated natural avalanche activity from steep rocky terrain in the alpine to size 2.

Snowpack Summary

A wind event from last week formed relatively deep wind slabs in the alpine.These have been buried by the most recent new snow combined with wind forming fresh wind slabs on the surface. In sheltered open areas below tree line there may be newly formed surface hoar sitting on the snow surface. There are some reports of a sun crust down around 100 cm in steep south facing features. 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. It's important to note that professionals are still cautious about these lingering persistent slab problems, however the likelihood of triggering is low. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack, where triggering a persistent weakness is more likely. Glide cracks are also opening up, and the potential for subsequent largely unpredictable full-depth avalanches are a concern.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.