Slab avalanches in steep terrain are still likely following the recent large storm, especially in wind-affected terrain. Conservative terrain choices are recommended.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Wind speed and direction is uncertain
Weather Forecast
SATURDAY: Flurries with accumulations of 5-15 cm, light to moderate northwest winds, alpine temperatures around -12.SUNDAY: A mix of sun and cloud, light northeast winds, alpine temperatures around -16.MONDAY: Sunny with cloudy periods, light northeast winds, alpine temperatures around -20.
Avalanche Summary
Widespread storm slab activity was reported on Friday including natural and explosive triggered avalanches typically in the size 2-2.5 range.Expect storm slab activity to continue into the weekend and be extra touchy in wind affected terrain. Triggering persistent slab avalanches remains possible in thin snowpack areas in the northern and eastern parts of the region.
Snowpack Summary
Between 50 and 100 cm of new low density snow has fallen over the past week, with the greatest accumulations in the Monashees. Shifting winds with moderate speeds are forming touchy storm slabs in exposed high elevation terrain. The mid-December interface can be found buried 80-120 cm deep and consists of faceted (sugary) crystals and/or surface hoar. Recent tests suggest the the new snow is well bonded to the interface in most areas, but remains a concern in thin snowpack areas such as the eastern and northern parts of the region. The lower snowpack is well consolidated and features a thick rain crust near the ground.
shorton,
Avalanche Canada
