Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 25th, 2012 8:02AM
The alpine rating is Wind Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeSummary
Weather Forecast
Wednesday: Isolated flurries with generally overcast skies, winds light to moderate from the southwest and alpine temperatures near -11.Thursday and Friday: A weak ridge of high pressure will give generally dry conditions, winds light from the west and alpine temperatures near -12.
Avalanche Summary
Reports from the weekend indicate a size 2 skier triggered avalanche from steep northeast facing terrain in the alpine. This was triggered from a cornice on a ridge crest. Other reports indicate isolated natural avalanche activity from steep rocky terrain in the alpine to size 2.
Snowpack Summary
A wind event from last week formed relatively deep wind slabs in the alpine.These have been buried by the most recent new snow combined with wind forming fresh wind slabs on the surface. In sheltered open areas below tree line there may be newly formed surface hoar sitting on the snow surface. There are some reports of a sun crust down around 100 cm in steep south facing features. The mid-pack is reported to be settling well. Recent reports indicate late November surface hoar (near the middle of the snowpack) and early November crust (near the base of the snowpack) have been inactive. It's important to note that professionals are still cautious about these lingering persistent slab problems, however the likelihood of triggering is low. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack, where triggering a persistent weakness is more likely. Glide cracks are also opening up, and the potential for subsequent largely unpredictable full-depth avalanches are a concern.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 26th, 2012 2:00PM