Avalanche Advisory Archive 2016 – 2018

Date Issued:2016-12-22 11:57:37
Danger:3
Primary Trend:1
Primary Probability:2
Primary Likelihood:3
Primary Size:2
Secondary Trend:1
Secondary Probability:3
Secondary Likelihood:2
Secondary Size:1
Secondary Description:

Test description 2

Discussion:

The National Weather Service Forecasts-

Today- Rain and snow showers, mainly before 3pm. High near 39. Southeast wind 15 to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Tonight- Scattered rain and snow showers before midnight, then a slight chance of snow showers between midnight and 3am. Cloudy, with a low around 29. Northeast wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday- Partly sunny, with a high near 30. Northeast wind around 10 mph.

We have seen tremendous precipitation over the last several days. 193mm/82cm. The storm total snow accumulations in the mountains varies greatly due to elevation. At lower elevations we are seeing nearly 30% storm densities... So you can assume at upper elevations it may be 2-3 times as deep.

Temperatures have been steady over the last several days and near freezing which helps in the healing process.

Winds have been fairly calm over the last 24-36 hours but remember all the windloading early in the storm.

Precip totals were light yesterday with the tram only showing .42\" of water for 3.5\" of new snow. Although a slight increase in density from the previous day not much overall volume to add to the equation.

The forecast calls for very light precip over the next 24to 48 hours. This should help to continue building stability into the region.

Due to the human triggered avalanches noted yesterday around the region with those same events still possible today... Avalanche Danger is CONSIDERABLE at this time.

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

Natural avalanches possible but less likely with the decreased loading rates, light winds and cool temps; human-triggered avalanches likely as many were noted yesterday around the region. Time should help the healing process but currently any loaded areas with decreased anchors are suspect. Especially in windloaded areas.

The Thane Road Avalanche path produced 3 slides yesterday. One bringing snow to the valley floor. Be aware this is a sign that we now have enough snow on the mountain to compromise the urban environment. Be cautious in Avalanche Zones. Limit time on the Flume Trail today. Conditions will improve over the next several days.

Time is your friend. The snow is great... but don't forget your basic safety rules for winter travel.

Tip:

Here is a link to a great National Geographic Safety Tips Article.

http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/natural-disasters/avalanche-safety-tips/

Forecaster:Tom Mattice