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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 18th, 2013–Jan 19th, 2013
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
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
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
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.

The wind has created windslabs in the Alpine and Treeline zones. Be extra cautious when you can feel slabby snow.

Weather Forecast

Broken clouds and almost no snow in the forecast for this region. Temperatures are expected to cool a little from the above seasonal values of the last few days, and the temperature inversion is expected to end.

Snowpack Summary

Warm temperatures in the alpine (inversion) combined with moderate to strong SW winds has created hard and soft slabs, especially in the alpine.� These slabs overlie the January 4 interface, down 40-60cm, and can be most reactive on steep solar aspects due to facets that formed on a crust.� Significant loading can also be expected on NE aspects.

Avalanche Summary

Recent avalanches have occurred on N aspects in the alpine, and are associated with the moderate to high winds.� Pockets of wind slab have also been observed to fail in specific terrain, mostly on cross loaded features.� Cornices are beginning to fail, causing avalanches to size 2.5.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong SW winds combined with very mild temperatures in the alpine (0 degrees at 2000m for 2 days) are contributing to wind slab development. Lee and cross-loaded features will be most loaded, however all aspects are suspect.
Avoid freshly wind loaded features.Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

The January 4 crust-facet interface (down 60 cm) remains a concern. It is most problematic on steep S and W aspects. The slab above this is becoming more cohesive, and skier triggering remains likely.
Sluffs may trigger deeper instabilities.Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3