Avalanche Advisory Archive Pre-2016

Date Issued:2016-03-01
Danger:2
Trend:3
Probability:3
Size:1
Problem:6
Discussion:

The National Weather Service Forecasts-

TODAY...BECOMING LOCALLY WINDY. SUNNY. PATCHY FOG EARLY
IN THE MORNING. HIGHS AROUND 44. LIGHT WINDS BECOMING NORTHEAST 10 TO 15 MPH. NEAR DOWNTOWN JUNEAU AND DOUGLAS... NORTHEAST WIND 10 MPH INCREASING TO 15 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 40 MPH LATE IN THE MORNING.

TONIGHT...LOCALLY WINDY. MOSTLY CLEAR. LOWS AROUND 28...EXCEPT
NEAR 37 DOWNTOWN JUNEAU AND DOUGLAS. NORTHEAST WIND 10 MPH. NEAR DOWNTOWN JUNEAU AND DOUGLAS...NORTHEAST WIND 15 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 40 MPH DIMINISHING LATE.

WEDNESDAY...SUNNY. HIGHS AROUND 41. EAST WIND 10 MPH...EXCEPT
NEAR DOWNTOWN JUNEAU AND DOUGLAS NORTHEAST WIND 15 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 35 MPH.

Yesterday morning at 8am the Mt Roberts Tram summit weather station started to rise above its 31f degree low for the night. By 1pm it was 36f and by 6pm it was back down to that same 31f overnight low. This mid day warming and overnight cooling (diurnal fluctuation)helps to create a stronger more stable snowpack.

Eaglecrest started yesterday am at 27f. Had a high of 33f and is back to 28f at the lodge, 27f at mid mountain, and 26f on top.

This has given the snowpack a chance to drain out the heavy rains from two days ago and start to freeze solid again at least in the upper layers.

Winds have been fairly calm over the last 24 hours but are expected to pick up today. Look to see shallow wind slabs forming on Southwest facing slopes later today as the winds pick up.

Winds should keep daytime warming to a minimal but should we see much warming and sunshine look to see small point release wet loose avalanches on steep faces as the trees and rocks clean themselves off and entrain snow as heading downhill.

Also be aware that although unpredictable, glide remains an issue. Avoid glide prone areas.

Avalanche danger is low to Moderate today due to natural avalanches still being possible in the mid day warming with sun.

Tip:

Here is a great link to the Forest Service National Avalanche Center Training Page:

http://www.fsavalanche.org/get-the-training

LIVE TO RIDE ANOTHER DAY!

Eaglecrest is hosting an Backcountry Safety Awareness and Companion Rescue Course Saturday March 5th from 8:30am-3:30pm.

This course is free and sponsored by the Department of Public Safety.

During this day long course you will learn about avalanche terrain, weather, and stability assessment tests. You will also learn about Avalanche Rescue as well as transceiver, probe and shovel use.

Please share this offering with your friends. Lets all do out part to maintain a safe backcountry community.

For more information or to sign up please email [email protected]