H
HappyJack
Well-known member
Avy Forcast 12.16.X1
Backcountry Avalanche Forecast for Front Range
Issued: 12/16/2011 5:50 AM by Scott Toepfer
Highlights
Just a dusting of new snow to report over the last 24 hours. Winds remain remarkably light for the Front Range Zone. Even Pikes Peak instruments are reporting winds under ten miles per hour at 14,000 feet. No changes are anticipated across the zone over the next 24 hours. Look for and expect newer storm slabs and thin wind slabs in the alpine today.
Avalanche Danger
The avalanche danger for the Front Range zone is MODERATE (Level 2) on north, northeast, east, southeast aspects near and above treeline. There are pockets of MODERATE danger on south aspects near and above treeline where snow has blown into terrain features like gulleys and bowl shaped features. Triggering persistent slabs is possible in isolated areas. Elsewhere, the danger is LOW (Level 1).
Snow & Avalanche Discussion
No changes in the danger ratings for Friday. Just a dusting of snowfall reported across the zone over the last 24 hours. The recent storm snow will transport easily with even minor winds. Today's forecast calls for minimal wind at 11,000 feet, though higher elevations could see strong enough winds to build some fresh and thin wind slabs. These will be the primary concern for the next couple of days. Expect to find these wind slabs on lee terrain to westerly winds, mainly above treeline on easterly aspects. These wind slabs will be thin and should be easy to manage. However, even small wind slabs could add enough additional weight to a weak and complicated old snowpack, meaning fresh slabs could easily break into old layers creating a larger slide.
The Front Range snowpack is highly variable with significant changes from aspect to aspect. Another continuing avalanche concern is several layers of hard persistent slabs interspersed with weaker snow, and all resting on a weak foundation of facets. You are most likely to find these conditions on north through east to south aspects near and above treeline.
Loading patterns are the most tricky right around treeline, so use extra caution as you move through this elevation band. Convex rolls with drifted snow are terrain features to be most wary of. Whumpfing and collapsing are clues that weak layers exist. If you find these signs of instability, then stick to lower angle terrain. The surface snow is currently a mix of low density new snow, well developed facets and surface hoar. This will be a problematic weak layer if it persists long enough to get buried.
Backcountry Avalanche Forecast for Front Range
Issued: 12/16/2011 5:50 AM by Scott Toepfer
Highlights
Just a dusting of new snow to report over the last 24 hours. Winds remain remarkably light for the Front Range Zone. Even Pikes Peak instruments are reporting winds under ten miles per hour at 14,000 feet. No changes are anticipated across the zone over the next 24 hours. Look for and expect newer storm slabs and thin wind slabs in the alpine today.
Avalanche Danger
The avalanche danger for the Front Range zone is MODERATE (Level 2) on north, northeast, east, southeast aspects near and above treeline. There are pockets of MODERATE danger on south aspects near and above treeline where snow has blown into terrain features like gulleys and bowl shaped features. Triggering persistent slabs is possible in isolated areas. Elsewhere, the danger is LOW (Level 1).
Snow & Avalanche Discussion
No changes in the danger ratings for Friday. Just a dusting of snowfall reported across the zone over the last 24 hours. The recent storm snow will transport easily with even minor winds. Today's forecast calls for minimal wind at 11,000 feet, though higher elevations could see strong enough winds to build some fresh and thin wind slabs. These will be the primary concern for the next couple of days. Expect to find these wind slabs on lee terrain to westerly winds, mainly above treeline on easterly aspects. These wind slabs will be thin and should be easy to manage. However, even small wind slabs could add enough additional weight to a weak and complicated old snowpack, meaning fresh slabs could easily break into old layers creating a larger slide.
The Front Range snowpack is highly variable with significant changes from aspect to aspect. Another continuing avalanche concern is several layers of hard persistent slabs interspersed with weaker snow, and all resting on a weak foundation of facets. You are most likely to find these conditions on north through east to south aspects near and above treeline.
Loading patterns are the most tricky right around treeline, so use extra caution as you move through this elevation band. Convex rolls with drifted snow are terrain features to be most wary of. Whumpfing and collapsing are clues that weak layers exist. If you find these signs of instability, then stick to lower angle terrain. The surface snow is currently a mix of low density new snow, well developed facets and surface hoar. This will be a problematic weak layer if it persists long enough to get buried.
Tired of the on every one's parade!!!
