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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 18th, 2012–Dec 19th, 2012
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
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
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Glacier.

Moderate to strong winds overnight have created soft windslabs near ridgelines in alpine and treeline elevations.

Weather Forecast

Cool and clear today with a short snow storm on Wednesday with up to 15cm of new snow, followed by dry cold air from the North on Thursday.

Snowpack Summary

At treeline and above, soft windslabs have formed due to 50k winds at ridgelines. Elsewhere, 40cm of loose storm snow overlies a well settled snowpack. The Nov28 surface hoar down 80cm and is found in some locations.� The early Nov crust is widespread and down 1.5m. Tests on these layers indicate they would be hard to trigger.

Avalanche Summary

Yesterday avalanches were observed up to size 3, and were dry slabs running to 1/2 fan. Expect more dry avalanche activity due to the moderate to strong southerly winds overnight.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong winds overnight and lots of storm snow have created touchy windslabs above 2300m that are easily triggerable on convex, unsupported features. Look for soft slabs at treeline and above, near ridgelines.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

While the thick crust at the base of the snowpack has yet to be reactive, if it does produce an avalanche it will be very large. Cornice falls or other avalanches stepping down to this layer, or triggering from thin areas are possible.
Sluffs may trigger deeper instabilities.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 4