Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 22nd, 2018–Dec 23rd, 2018

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

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

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

Regions: Lizard-Flathead.

When dealing with persistent slab problems, keep in mind that even though the likelihood of triggering an avalanche decreases, the consequences remain high. Conservative terrain selection is recommended.

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY NIGHT - Mainly cloudy with clear periods and isolated flurries / southwest winds, 15-30 km/h, gusting to 50 km/h / alpine low temperature near -11SUNDAY - Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries / southwest winds, 20-40 km/h / alpine high temperature near -6MONDAY - Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries / light southwest winds / alpine high temperature near -6, low temperature near -9TUESDAY - Cloudy with sunny periods / light southwest winds / alpine high temperature near -8, low temperature near -10

Avalanche Summary

Several explosives triggered avalanches size 1-2.5 were reported in the region on Saturday. No new natural avalanches were reported on Saturday.Several natural and explosives triggered avalanches to size 2 were reported on Friday.

Snowpack Summary

60-100 cm of recent snow has formed a slab that sits on a weak layer that formed in early December. This layer mostly consists of facets (sugary snow) with some isolated areas also containing small surface hoar (feathery crystals). Several other weak layers have been observed in the lower snowpack such as crusts and facets that formed in late October/early November.

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

60-100 cm of snow sits on a weak layer that consists primarily of facets (sugary snow).

Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.Use caution in areas where the snowpack transitions from deep to shallow.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2