Bollettino valanghe

Southeast Mountains

Crested Butte Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

Fri
Alta quota
1 · Debole
Limite del bosco
1 · Debole
Sotto il limite
1 · Debole
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In sintesi

Even though the avalanche danger is LOW, you could encounter small, isolated avalanche issues.  Previously drifted slopes at upper elevations, where you encounter stiff/hard slabs above early-season weak layers, offer an outside chance at producing a slab avalanche.  Most terrain at lower elevations will be weak and cohesionless.  However, an extreme wind event last night could form thin slabs in unusual places, even at lower elevations.  These fresh drifts would be very small due to a lack of available snow for transport, but could catch you off guard due to the atypical loading event.

Problemi valanghivi

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Unlikely
    Dimensione
    1–1.5

    Snowfall and wind drifting in early December formed slabs up to a couple of feet thick over facets near the ground.  These weak layers are most widespread on the northern half of the compass.  In the Southeast Mountains, most slabs have decayed, and the threat lingers on a few heavily drifted slopes near and above treeline.  Stay alert for isolated instabilities and consider avoiding old stiff drifts above high-consequence terrain.  Most lingering instabilities are expected to be small (D1-D1.5), with potential for a larger outlier on the biggest, most wind-drifted slopes.  

    A skier triggered a persistent slab avalanche on Sunday, 12/14.  This avalanche occurred in the Northwest Mountain forecast area. 

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

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