Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 11th, 2018 5:06PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada dsaly, Avalanche Canada

Wind and snowfall will drive avalanche hazard at higher elevations. At lower elevations, early season hazards may hide under new snow.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY NIGHT: Snow, accumulation 5-15 cm, light to moderate south west wind with strong gusts, freezing level valley bottomWEDNESDAY: Cloudy with flurries, trace accumulation, moderate west wind with strong gusts, freezing level below 1000 mTHURSDAY: Snow, accumulation 5-15 cm, moderate with strong gusts south southwest wind, freezing level 1000 mFRIDAY: Cloudy with flurries, accumulation up to 10 cm, moderate south wind with strong gusts, freezing level rising above 1300 m

Avalanche Summary

Small (size 1) storm slabs are reacting to skier traffic.Big thanks go out to our contributors to the Mountain Information Network. Please continue to post your observations here.

Snowpack Summary

10-25 cm new snow has fallen around the region, with more forecasted to fall through the week. The new snow has buried a weak variable layer of surface hoar, facets and rain crust and covers 20-30 cm low density facets. Below the facets, a stacked pair of persistent weak layers is buried 40-90 cm down. The upper layer consists of surface hoar (feathery crystals) in most places, but may present as a sun crust on steep south facing slopes. The deeper layer features surface hoar above a widespread temperature crust. Both layers are thought to be widespread at treeline and may also extend into sheltered alpine terrain. These layers are trending towards dormancy, but may remain problematic on steep solar aspects.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Forecasted winds will transport loose snow, expect storm slabs to be more reactive in wind-loaded terrain.
Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Minimize exposure to overhead hazards such as cornices and slopes with recent wind-loading.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 12th, 2018 2:00PM

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