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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 13th, 2011–Dec 14th, 2011

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, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Northwest Inland.

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Friday

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: Flurries expected in the evening with light - moderate ridgetop winds from the north east. Thursday: Sunny and cold during the day. Treeline temperatures near -10. Winds light from the north east. Friday: Cloudy with moderate snowfall expected. Freezing levels may rise to 700m.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche activity has been reported.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 20cm new snow has fallen on a variety of snow surfaces including surface hoar, melt-freeze crusts and facetted snow. For the most part all aspects between 900m-2000m have a hard melt freeze crust. This crust is widespread and is lingering in most start zones. This may be a suspect layer of concern as when future storms with significant snow and wind arrive. Above this crust surface hoar (feathery crystals) and facets (sugary crystals) are forming. This exists at treeline and below treeline elevations. The recent winds in the alpine have destroyed the surface hoar eliminating one problem but creating a wind slab problem. These wind slabs are in the immediate lee of features, with easy shears and cracking being reported. The midpack seems to be well settled and strong. Thanks to those who have sent in field observations. If you have any info from the field, we would love to hear from you. Write to us at [email protected]

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.