Current Avalanche Conditions

11 p.m. Sunday, January 19, 2020

 COPPER RIVER HIGHWAY AVALANCHE HAZARD

 Current:                      MODERATE

 Outlook:                       The hazard should remain the same through mid-week.

 BACKCOUNTRY AVALANCHE HAZARD

Above Tree Line:        CONSIDERABLE  Avoid steep slopes.

Tree Line:                   MODERATE  Be wary of what is above.

 Below Tree Line:       LOW  

At the end of December, heavy precipitation fell on a shallow snow pack with the freezing line above our local peaks. Early in the New Year temperatures abruptly dropped, bringing near a foot of dry light snow to sea level. Initially, easterly winds created small isolated wind slabs above tree line. Northerly winds then moved available snow southerly. With low humidity much of this snow sublimated back into the atmosphere, though some wind loading occurred on southern slopes at tree line and above. Over 2 weeks of dry cold weather and a shallow snow pack has promoted a sugary facet snow pack with little to no base, as well as significant surface hoar layer. Sunday morning brought 4 to 6 inches of denser snow with little wind. By evening, the freezing line climbed to 1500 feet, creating a reactive upside down snow pack.

Expect more precipitation Monday tapering though the rest of the week. Models suggest another inch of water Monday into Tuesday. The freezing line looks to fluctuate from sea level to mid mountain and then decrease after Tuesday. Some avalanche activity may occur, but shouldn’t affect the highway. Backcountry users should be wary of exposure and consequences above tree line.

Please email me if you would like to be added or removed from this email list.

Steve “Hoots” Witsoe

424-4668 home

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Backcountry forecasts sponsored by:

Alaska Avalanche Information Center

For more avalanche information from around Alaska visit:

http://www.alaskasnow.org

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

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