8 a.m. Saturday, February 4, 2012

COPPER RIVER HIGHWAY AVALANCHE HAZARD

Current: MODERATE

Outlook: The avalanche hazard may remain slightly elevated.

BACKCOUNTRY AVALANCHE HAZARD

Above Tree Line: CONSIDERABLE Avoid steep wind loaded western aspects.

Tree Line: MODERATE Use caution around steep western slopes.

Below Tree Line: LOW

Hello,

We received over 4 inches of water since Wednesday with strong east wind. Temperatures increased bringing the freezing level up to 2000 ft. Observations have been limited due to weather, though much avalanche activity probably occurred during the storm. Precipitation tapered last night as temperatures decreased, bringing a couple inches of snow to sea level.

Expect partly cloudy skies today with light variable wind and temperatures in the 20’s. This will allow the avalanche hazard to decrease. Avalanche activity is not expected to affect the highway. Backcountry users should still use caution. Below tree line, rain is still draining through the snow pack. Above tree line, a lot of new snow and strong wind has loaded western aspects. We should see more precipitation by Sunday night, though models suggest only a ¼ inch. While precipitation should be limited, expect temperatures to climb above freezing and stay there through next week. This will keep the avalanche hazard slightly elevated.

If anyone would like to be added to or removed from this email list, please email me.

Steve “Hoots” Witsoe
424-4668 home
429-4668 cell
hoots@ctcak.net

Current avalanche activity is an important factor in avalanche forecasting.  Please report all observed avalanche activity.

For Alaska Department of Transportation use only.

Other users: USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND IN NO EVENT SHALL THE PROVIDERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES RESULTING FROM DISCOMFORT, INJURY, OR DEATH, CLAIMS BY THIRD PARTIES OR FOR OTHER SIMILAR COSTS, OR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF THE INFORMATION.