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Avalanche Forecast - South Rockies   


Date Issued   Thursday, 22 December 2011 5:17 PM      Valid Until    Friday, 23 December 2011 4:00 PM
Danger Rating: Friday Alpine Treeline Below Treeline
2 - Moderate Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.
2 - Moderate Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.
1 - Low Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.
Saturday Sunday
Alpine 2 - Moderate 2 - Moderate
Treeline 2 - Moderate 2 - Moderate
Below Treeline 1 - Low 1 - Low
Confidence: Fair - Due to variable snopack conditions
Learn more about danger ratings
Low Moderate Considerable High Extreme

Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

Natural and human-triggered avalanches unlikely.

Small avalanches in isolated areas or extreme terrain.

Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

Natural avalanches unlikely; human-triggered avalanches possible.

Small avalanches in specific areas; or large avalanches in isolated areas.

Dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making essential.

Natural avalanches possible; human-triggered avalanches likely.

Small avalanches in many areas; or large avalanches in specific areas; or very large avalanches in isolated areas.

Very dangerous avalanche conditions. Travel in avalanche terrain not recommended.

Natural avalanches likely; human-triggered avalanches very likely.

Large avalanches in many areas; or very large avalanches in specific areas.

Avoid all avalanche terrain.

Natural and human-triggered avalanches certain.

Large to very large avalanches in many areas.
Wind Slabs
What Elevation Zone?
Which Slopes?
Chance of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Shifting winds have set up windslabs on a variety of aspects, particularly north through southeast.Cross-loading is also possible on open slopes oriented parallel to the wind, which contain features and gullies to catch wind-drifted snow.
Travel and Terrain Advice
  • Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Highmark or enter your line well below ridge crests to avoid wind loaded pillows.
  • Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.
Persistent Slabs
What Elevation Zone?
Which Slopes?
Chance of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Thin slabs may be reactive on the mid-December surface hoar/facet combo. Low mass events, but running far.
Travel and Terrain Advice
  • Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Highmark or enter your line well below ridge crests to avoid wind loaded pillows.
  • Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.

Prepared by mpeter