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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 9th, 2013–Jan 10th, 2013
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Regions: Glacier.

Today is a good day for conservative trips away from avalanche terrain.  Big mature timber may be the place to be, but watch for unconsolidated tree wells.

Weather Forecast

Heavy precipitation, strong to extreme winds, and warming temperatures are in store today, pushing the avalanche danger into the high range.  On Thursday, a cold northern air mass is expected to dry things out, and should stay dry and cold for Friday.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 70 cm of storm snow overlies a weak layer of buried surface hoar and facets.  This layer is best developed between 1500 and 2000 meters, but exists at all elevations.  The mid-pack is well settled and the Nov 6 crust can still be found about 30cm above the ground.

Avalanche Summary

A widespread avalanche cycle was observed along the highway corridor yesterday in storm snow.  Avalanches were up to size 3, and many ran into the fans.  Although we received few reports of natural activity in the backcountry, it is likely that most steep paths produced avalanches in the past 24 hours.  Notables include "Frequent Flyer".

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Up to 65cm of storm snow lies on a weak interface of surface hoar and sun crust.  These layers are very reactive to skier triggering.  A widespread avalanche cycle occurred overnight, and avalanche control is planned for today.
Avoid all avalanche terrain.Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended with current conditions.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Higher elevations saw strong overnight winds (up to 70 kph) creating wind slabs over buried weak layers.
The recent snow may now be hiding windslabs that were easily visible before the snow fell.Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3