Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 9th, 2012–Jan 10th, 2012

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

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Glacier.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

40 cm of snow overlies a storm snow instability. Overnight 20cm or more snow has fallen with winds peaking at 75 km/h. Expect these slabs at Treeline and above. Avalanches triggered in this layer could trigger deeper slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Persistent Slabs

The Dec. 11 SH layer continues to produce avalanches when heavily loaded such as during or after periods of snowfall or wind. A fracture line profile at 1600m showed this slab failing 110 cm deep during the last storm on Jan 6.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, South West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 4

Deep Persistent Slabs

In the high alpine basal weaknesses exist and may cause large or very large avalanches. These may slide from large triggers or during periods of heavy storm loading. Large glide cracks failing near ground are also a significant concern this year.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 3 - 4