9 a.m. Thursday, May 17, 2012

COPPER RIVER HIGHWAY AVALANCHE HAZARD

Current: LOW in the morning, increasing to CONSIDERABLE after noon.

Outlook: The avalanche hazard should slowly decrease through the weekend.

BACKCOUNTRY AVALANCHE HAZARD

Above Tree Line: CONSIDERABLE Avoid cornices and steep sun baked slopes.

Tree Line: MODERATE Avoid glide cracks and steep sun baked slopes.

Below Tree Line: LOW Avoid large paths during the heat of the day.

Hello,

We received 4 inches of water last Thursday through Sunday. Cold air kept the freezing line between 1000 and 3000 feet. At sea level this resulted in a mix of snow and rain and minimal accumulation. At the top of the ski hill this translated into 16 inches of moist snow, while above 2000 feet it created over 3 feet of new snow. Some medium sized avalanches occurred during the storm at tree line and above. Since then, strong sunshine and warm daytime temperatures have caused much loose snow avalanche activity at tree line and above.

Expect clear skies with light variable wind and daytime temperatures warming into the 50’s. Loose snow avalanches are expected on steep sun baked slopes. Cornice breaks and glide crack failures are also possible. With avalanche paths paved to sea level and ample snow available for entrainment, extra caution is advised. Be aware of what is above you, and avoid steep sun baked slopes, glide cracks, and cornices during the heat of the day. We may see some clouds this weekend, though precipitation should be limited. The avalanche hazard should continue to slowly decrease through the weekend.

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.

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