Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 30th, 2012–Dec 31st, 2012

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Glacier.

Solar radiation from clearing skies will have an affect on cornices. Keep an eye on those overhead hazards.

Weather Forecast

A ridge of high pressure is slowly moving east. Expect some overcast skies to be clearing as the day progresses. No precipitation is forecast. On Monday and into Tuesday, the ridge will remain over the province giving mostly clear skies, alpine inversions with some valley cloud and dry conditions.

Snowpack Summary

A profile yesterday on Mt Macdonald West Shoulder, 2185m, 38 degree slope, West aspect showed a height of snow of 200cm. Low density snow in top 20cm. The November 6 crust is down 160cm. Moderate to hard, sudden planar, test result down 42cm on decomposing forms. The Dec 25 surface hoar layer is down 15cm, more prominent between 1500m-2000m.

Avalanche Summary

2 size 2 natural loose avalanches yesterday east of the Rogers Pass summit.

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations

Avalanche Problems

Loose Dry

Sluffs and loose avalanches are still the main concern today in sufficiently steep terrain. They can be skier triggered or triggered naturally from solar radiation. Caution below rocky outcroppings on south and west aspects.

Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2