Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 15th, 2019–Dec 16th, 2019

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, human triggered possible.

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

South Rockies.

Triggering an avalanche is most likely in wind affected terrain and steep rocky slopes.

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to extremely variable snowpack conditions reported through the region.

Weather Forecast

Sunday Night: Mix of cloud and starry breaks. Alpine temperature -13 C. West wind 15-30 with gusts to 50 km/hr.

Monday: Mix of sun, cloud, and very isolated flurries. Alpine temperature -10 C. West wind 20-40 gusting to 55 km/hr.

Tuesday: Partly cloudy, partly sunny. Alpine temperature -9 C. West wind 25 gusting to 60 km/hr.

Wednesday: Mix of sun and cloud. Alpine temperature -9 C. West wind 15-30 km/hr.

Avalanche Summary

Most recent avalanche activity (mid to late last week) was limited to a few wind slab avalanches (size 1-2) triggered with explosives.

Snowpack Summary

Recent new snow and wind has likely formed fresh wind slabs at upper elevations. In sheltered areas 20-30 cm of snow from last weekend is gradually settling. Weak snow can be found 30-80 cm deep around crust layers that formed in November and October. These persistent weak layers produced large avalanches last weekend but have gained strength since then. Snowpack depths range between 50-100 cm at higher elevations and taper rapidly below treeline.