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Avalanche Forecast

Dec 23rd, 2011–Dec 24th, 2011
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
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

Regions: South Rockies.

Confidence

Fair - Due to variable snopack conditions

Weather Forecast

Saturday: Expect mixed skies with strong westerly ridgetop winds. Some localized flurries are possible, especially towards the Crowsnest Pass and in northern parts of the region. Highs near 0. Sunday & Monday: Mostly clear, with occasional cloudy periods. Moderate to strong winds from the west-southwest with temperatures reaching -2 in the afternoons.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches. Nearby (in the Lizard Range) there were 2 incidents reported yesterday. Check out the incidents through these links: https://bit.ly/uBRvLX https://bit.ly/rE20wh

Snowpack Summary

Westerly winds continue, creating windslabs on lee locations in the alpine and open treeline. A buried layer of surface hoar lies approximately 20 cm below the snow surface. Reports indicate this layer was blown around before it was buried and can only be found in isolated, sheltered locations at and below treeline. A well settled mid pack bridges over the basal weaknesses at the ground. This lower layer was responsible for some large releases earlier in the season but we haven't seen any action on it lately. Worth keeping in the back of your mind around shallow snowpack areas where the bridging could be weaker.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Shifting winds have set up windslabs on a variety of aspects, particularly north through southeast.Cross-loading is also possible on open slopes oriented parallel to the wind, which contain features and gullies to catch wind-drifted snow.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

Thin slabs may be reactive on the mid-December surface hoar/facet combo. Low mass events, but running far.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2