Bollettino valanghe

Northwest Mountains

Crested Butte Avalanche Center
Vedi sulla mappa

Pericolo valanghe

Fri
Alta quota
1 · Debole
Limite del bosco
1 · Debole
Sotto il limite
1 · Debole
Open full map
Non aggiornato — questo bollettino è scaduto 8 months ago. Stai vedendo condizioni passate, non il bollettino in corso.

In sintesi

Slab avalanche problems are isolated around the landscape, and become harder to trigger with each passing day.  Previously wind-drifted slopes at upper elevations, where you encounter a stiff slab above early-season weak layers, are the few places to find trouble.  Consider choosing lower-consequence terrain if you encounter problematic structure to hedge your bet against being unlucky.  Wednesday night's windstorm could have formed fresh, tiny slabs in unusual places, low in the terrain.  Don't get caught off guard by this minor issue in atypical locations due to extreme winds.

Problemi valanghivi

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Unlikely
    Dimensione
    1–2

    Snowfall and wind drifting in early December formed slabs up to a few feet thick over facets near the ground.  These weak layers are most widespread on the northern half of the compass.  Though the snowpack is adjusting under mild weather, the threat lingers on some slopes with well-developed slabs, most commonly at mid- to upper elevations and on leeward slopes.  Carefully assess the snowpack structure and consider terrain consequences before riding in steep terrain on problematic aspects.  Default to lower slope angles or travel on terrain that was bare ground through November when in doubt.

    A skier triggered persistent slab avalanche on Sunday, 12/14.  

    East aspect of Cinnamon Mountain. 

Avalanche Discussion

The last significant loading event and natural avalanche cycle occurred around the weekend of December 6th, with a few bouts of wind loading shortly thereafter.  Over the subsequent week and a half, the likelihood of human-triggered avalanches has slowly decreased to unlikely.  The isolated features of concern can be found on previously wind-loaded slopes at upper elevations.  Even these slopes may not release unless you find just the right trigger point.  The last human-triggered avalanche occurred on Sunday, December 14th, on an easterly-facing slope on Mount Cinnamon.  Triggered avalanches like this have become rare but not impossible.  Consider the consequences of taking a ride if you encounter a suspect strong over weak snowpack.  Avoiding drifted slopes with terrain traps is a simple way to reduce your risk.

An extreme wind event last night could create a minor problem, as tiny, sensitive drifts may have formed in unusual places due to the powerful winds.  There was very little snow available for transport outside an inch or so of new snow and old facets in wind-sheltered, northerly terrain.  The small drifts should be easy to steer around and pose little threat, but may surprise you.

Upcoming Events:

  • Fireside Chat: Join us at the Daily Dose on Friday December 19th 5-7 pm to hear Matt Steen discuss professional decision making in avalanche terrain. Helicopter Skiing Lead guide manages avalanche terrain in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Come hear his interesting perspective.
  • Trailhead Day: We will also be at the Washington Gulch trailhead for our first Trailhead Day this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Programs like the Fireside Chat Series and Trailhead Days are made possible through funding from MetRec, STOR, and the National Forest Foundation

Regioni coperte