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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 17th, 2015–Dec 18th, 2015
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Kootenay Boundary.

Avalanche danger will rise through the day. Be cautions in sheltered areas below tree-line where pockets of recently buried surface hoar may be found.

Confidence

Moderate

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY: Between 10 and 20cm of new snow accompanied by moderate to strong southwest winds, freezing level at the valley floor. SATURDAY: light snowfall expected mainly west of Nelson, light southwest winds, -7 at tree-line. SUNDAY: Up to 10cm concentrated around Kootenay pass, light to moderate westerly winds, -10 at tree-line.

Avalanche Summary

Ski cuts have been able to produce size small wind slab avalanche in alpine lee features.

Snowpack Summary

Reports indicate that up to 10cm of new snow now cover a new layer of surface hoar that can be founding on all aspects in protected areas. Recent winds have been highly variable and may have formed fresh wind slabs on both north and south aspects. A crust can be found in the upper meter of the snowpack as high as 2400m. At tree-line elevation this crust is thick and supportive, and should be capping any deeper weaknesses.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Watch for the development of soft slabs especially in lee features. The new snow may be falling on a layer of surface hoar in sheltered areas bellow tree-line resulting in surprisingly touchy conditions.
The recent snow may now be hiding windslabs that were easily visible before the snow fell.>Avoid open slopes and convex rolls at and below treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3