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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 11th, 2019–Dec 12th, 2019

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

Regions

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A potent winter storm will bring heavy snowfall and strong southerly winds Wednesday night and Thursday. Expect dangerous avalanche conditions near and above treeline. Give the storm snow time to stabilize, and seek out low-angle, supported terrain away from overhead hazard.

Discussion

So far this season, avalanche activity has been minor and infrequent due to low snow. Over the next 24 hours, this storm will bring rapid change. Slab avalanches may become easily triggered and widespread on upper elevation slopes. Snow levels will be near 3500ft, and 2ft+ of new snow is expected above 4500ft by late afternoon Thursday. Avalanche danger, along with snow totals, will increase sharply as you gain elevation. 

Don’t let the excitement of this first major winter storm distract you from making informed and conservative decisions. Be very cautious if you decide to venture out during the storm. Ease into terrain slowly and gather information along the way. Getting caught in even a small avalanche would be a rough ride with high consequences in these early season conditions. Expect to encounter shallowly buried objects and challenging travel conditions.

The few inches of new snow that we received in the past 24 hours has already formed shallow slabs reactive to skier traffic. Northwest aspect at 5500ft near Bearpaw/Church Lake in the Hwy 542 Corridor. 12/11/19. Photo: Pete Durr. 

Snowpack Discussion

Regional Synopsis Coming Thursday, December 12, 2019

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-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.