Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 16th, 2012 8:38AM
The alpine rating is Wind Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeSummary
Confidence
Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Monday
Weather Forecast
Synopsis: The storm track is along the USA border so Monday's storm will bring mostly wind to the region with little new snow. Tuesday looks quiet before the next system on Wednesday or Thursday.Monday:Â Mod to Strong South or SW winds; 5 to 15 cm of snow; continued cool with alpine temperatures near -10CTuesday: Light NW wind; dry; colder with alpine temperatures around -14CWednesday: Light S wind; little if any snow; continued cool.
Avalanche Summary
Mostly small loose snow avalanches from steep terrain were reported for this region but visibility was limited and some of our regular reporters weren't able to get out yesterday. Due to our limited observations for this region at this time, your avalanche observations are welcome at forecaster@avalanche.ca
Snowpack Summary
Windslabs were developing Saturday afternoon and this process should continue Sunday & Monday in the alpine and treeline elevations with forecast S or SW winds. These slabs are most likely immediately behind ridge crests and downslope ribs. There's ample recent snow available to fuel slab development as winds pick up. Overall, the top and mid-snowpack is reported to be settling well. Deep persistent instabilities (surface hoar and early November crust) located in the middle and near the bottom of the snowpack may still be a concern but there's little recent evidence of them. It is important to know that we have very limited observations for this region. Digging down and making your own observations, especially in thinner snowpack areas, remains a good idea to assist safe slope selection. You're looking for weak layers that pop or drop in stability tests. Any observations from the field are welcome at forecaster@avalanche.ca.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 17th, 2012 2:00PM