Avalanche forecast

South Rockies

Dec 15 – 16, 2019Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 7 years ago

Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Triggering an avalanche is most likely in wind affected terrain and steep rocky slopes.

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to extremely variable snowpack conditions reported through the region.

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY NIGHT: Mostly clear with cloudy periods, light wind from the northwest, alpine high temperatures around -8 C.

SUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light to moderate wind from the northwest, alpine high temperatures around -10 C.

MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light wind from the west, alpine high temperatures around -11 C.

TUESDAY: Mainly cloudy with flurries, moderate wind from the southwest, alpine high temperatures around -7 C.

Avalanche Summary

Most recent avalanche activity (mid to late last week) was limited to a few wind slab avalanches (size 1-2) triggered with explosives.

Snowpack Summary

Recent new snow and wind has likely formed fresh wind slabs at upper elevations. In sheltered areas 20-30 cm of snow from last weekend is gradually settling. Weak snow can be found 30-80 cm deep around crust layers that formed in November and October. These persistent weak layers produced large avalanches last weekend but have gained strength since then. Snowpack depths range between 50-100 cm at higher elevations and taper rapidly below treeline.

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