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Avalanche Forecast - South Coast - Inland   

Date Issued   Friday, 03 February 2012 5:23 PM      Valid Until    Saturday, 04 February 2012 11:00 AM
Danger Rating: Saturday Alpine Treeline Below Treeline
3 - Considerable Dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route finding and conservative decision making essential.
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.
Sunday Monday
Alpine 3 - Considerable 2 - Moderate
Treeline 2 - Moderate 2 - Moderate
Below Treeline 2 - Moderate 1 - Low
Confidence: Good - -1
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.
Cornices
What Elevation Zone?
Which Slopes?
Chance of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
High winds, moderate temperatures and recent snow will have added to a cornice problem. Cornice fall will be easy to initiate and can become a trigger for the slope below.
Storm Slabs
What Elevation Zone?
Which Slopes?
Chance of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Solar aspects in the alpine may be easily triggered or run naturally due to warm overnight temperatures and daytime solar heating. Avalanches may run full path entraining moist snow below treeline.
Wind Slabs
What Elevation Zone?
Which Slopes?
Chance of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
New windslabs are expected to settle and bond with forecast warm temperatures and light winds.
Travel and Terrain Advice
  • Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.
  • Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.
  • Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain, as large avalanches may reach the end of runout zones.
  • Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.
  • If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information.
  • Whumpfing, shooting cracks and recent avalanches are all strong indicators of an unstable snowpack.
  • Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Prepared by triley