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Avalanche Forecast - South Columbia   

Date Issued   Thursday, 02 February 2012 5:29 PM      Valid Until    Friday, 03 February 2012 11:00 AM
Danger Rating: Friday 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.
Saturday Sunday
Alpine 2 - Moderate 2 - Moderate
Treeline 2 - Moderate 2 - Moderate
Below Treeline 1 - Low 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.
Wind Slabs
What Elevation Zone?
Which Slopes?
Chance of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Wind slabs may look smooth, feel stiff, and have a hollow sound under foot. They're most likely to be found on N-E aspects, and below ridgecrests.
Storm Slabs
What Elevation Zone?
Which Slopes?
Chance of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Storm slabs may be susceptive to rider triggers. You're most likely to trigger a storm slab in steep and/or unsupported/convex terrain.
Cornices
What Elevation Zone?
Which Slopes?
Chance of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Large cornices have formed. They may become weak with rising freezing levels. You should give them a wide berth whether traveling near them or far below them. Failing cornices have the potential to trigger large avalanches on the slope below.
Travel and Terrain Advice
  • Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
  • Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.
  • Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.
  • Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.

Prepared by swerner