Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 4th, 2016 3:44PM

The alpine rating is below threshold, the treeline rating is below threshold, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

shorton, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

Storm slabs from the recent snowfall may be reactive to human-triggering. Avoid recently wind loaded areas and be prepared to back off to mellow terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Weather Forecast

MONDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods, light northwest winds, alpine temperatures at -12.TUESDAY: Clear skies, light north winds, alpine temperatures at -14.WEDNESDAY: Clear skies, light winds, alpine temperatures at -16.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche observations have been submitted. Recent snowfall with moderate southwest winds has likely formed fresh storm slabs, especially at higher elevations.

Snowpack Summary

10-20 cm of new snow fell in the region on Saturday night, adding to the existing storm slab problem. Expect storm slabs to be most reactive at higher elevations and where winds have deposited greater amounts of snow. A thin surface hoar layer that formed last week may exist beneath the recent storm snow. A thick melt-freeze crust from mid-November is down around 75 cm. Recent observations indicate the layer is generally well bonded to the adjacent snow; however, reports of sudden test results in the South Columbia region suggest we shouldn't write this layer off just yet. The snowpack below the crust is generally strong and well-settled. Snowpack depths are 130-160 cm at treeline elevations.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs have continued to grow with another 10-20 cm of new snow on Saturday night. High alpine terrain will likely be wind-affected, so the best and safest riding may be in lower-elevation, sheltered terrain.

Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.Be alert to conditions that change with elevation. Continually make observations as you travel.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 5th, 2016 2:00PM