Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 11th, 2018–Dec 12th, 2018

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

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

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

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

Regions: Glacier.

Expect surface sluffing in steep terrain with 15cm+ sitting on the Dec 9th surface hoar layer . Look for newly formed windslab on lee terrain. at and above treeline.

Weather Forecast

The forecast calls for 15cm of snow, alpine high temperature of -7C accompanied by light S'ly winds and a freezing level around 1000m. Tuesday night through Wednesday SW winds 30km/h gusting to 50km/h with light precipitation. Thursday calls for 40cm+/- of snow with moderate SW winds. Look for an increasing avalanche danger as the week progresses.

Snowpack Summary

15cm of storm snow now buries the Dec 9 surface hoar which was found up to 10mm in sheltered areas. The November 21st surface hoar is down 35-50cm and is most likely to be triggered on steep solar aspects, where it overlies a crust.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity observed or reported in the forecast area.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Isolated pockets of soft windslab can be expected on alpine and treeline lee features. Be cautious moving into wind effected terrain.

Use caution above cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

This layer can be found at all elevations, but is spotty in its distribution. It will be most reactive in wind loaded areas and on steep solar aspects where the surface hoar sits on a crust.

Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5