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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 21st, 2019–Dec 22nd, 2019

Alpine
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Treeline
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

South Rockies.

Snow at upper elevations and wind are forecast to continue into Sunday. As a result the avalanche danger will remain at HIGH.

Confidence

Moderate - Recent weather patterns have resulted in a high degree of snowpack variability within the region. Forecast precipitation (either snow or rain) amounts are uncertain.

Weather Forecast

Saturday Night: Snow, accumulation 10-20 cm. Alpine temperature -2 C. Moderate to strong southwest wind. Freezing level 1700 m.

Sunday: Flurries, accumulation 5-10 cm. Alpine temperature -3 C. Moderate south wind. Freezing level dropping to 500m.

Monday: Isolated flurries, Alpine temperature -4 C. Light to moderate west wind. Freezing level valley bottom.

Tuesday: Mix of sun and cloud. Alpine temperature -6. Light west wind. 

Avalanche Summary

A natural avalanche cycle likely occurred Saturday with heavy loading from snow/rain and wind Friday night and through the day Saturday. Expect natural avalanche activity to persist into Sunday.

There was a report of an explosives triggered storm slab avalanche on Friday along with several skier triggered size 1 storm slab and loose wet avalanches.

Snowpack Summary

Snowfall over the past few days at upper elevations has covered a previously variable and wind-affected surface. Expect the surface snow at lower elevations (below 1600 m) to be moist or wet due to rain.

The bottom half of the snowpack consists of crusts from November and October and facets near the base. Overall, the snowpack is shallow and variable throughout the region. Snowpack depths range between 50-100 cm around treeline and taper rapidly below.

Terrain and Travel

  • Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
  • Minimize exposure to overhead avalanche terrain, large avalanches may reach the end of runout zones.
  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to the presence of a deep persistent slab.