Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 13th, 2019 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low.

Avalanche Canada MBender, Avalanche Canada

Triggering an avalanche is most likely in wind affected terrain and steep rocky slopes.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to extremely variable snowpack conditions reported through the region.

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Isolated flurries, 20 km/h wind from the west, alpine high temperatures around -6 C.

SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light wind from the northwest, alpine high temperatures around -8 C.

SUNDAY: Sunny with some clouds, 30 km/h wind from the northwest, alpine high temperatures around -10 C.

MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light wind from the northwest, alpine high temperatures around -11 C.

Avalanche Summary

Recent avalanche activity is limited to a few wind slab avalanches (size 1-2) triggered with explosives. Avalanche activity has quieted down since last weekend, when several large persistent slab avalanches (size 2-3) were reported at treeline and alpine elevations. 

Snowpack Summary

New snow and wind has likely formed fresh wind slabs at upper elevations. In sheltered areas 20-30 cm of snow from last weekend is gradually settling. Weak snow can be found 30-80 cm deep around crust layers that formed in November and October. These persistent weak layers produced large avalanches last weekend but have gained strength since then. Snowpack depths range between 50-100 cm at higher elevations and taper rapidly below treeline.

Valid until: Dec 14th, 2019 5:00PM

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