Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 3rd, 2016 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Dry.
stephen holeczi,
Avalanche Canada
Some new snow and wind will improve ski quality, but really watch for new wind slab development as well as spindrifting in alpine gully features. The first real arctic air is inbound starting Monday.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Another 5-15 cm with moderate Westerly winds are possible by Sunday morning with less amounts in the East. Temperatures will start to cool by Sunday evening as winds die down and we switch to a Northerly arctic flow. Expect temperatures to go sub -20 for the first part of next week.
Snowpack Summary
10-20cm of snow over the last 24 hours with moderate to strong SW winds creating wind slabs up to 30cm thick in lee alpine areas. A mid pack crust is allowing the snowpack to carry travelers fairly well except in shallow areas. We are watching for this crust to weaken but it is not producing avalanches yet.
Avalanche Summary
No recent observations from this area
Confidence
Problems
Wind Slabs
Watch for fresh wind slabs from the new snow and SW winds. These may be reactive in the short term until the cold weather arrives.
- The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.
Aspects: North, North East, East.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
New snow and wind will mean spindrift in the short term, especially for ice climbers in gullies.
- Be very cautious with gully features.
- Use caution above cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.
Aspects: North, North East, East.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 4th, 2016 4:00PM
