Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 6th, 2015 8:04AM

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

Avalanche Canada bcorrigan, Avalanche Canada

Warm temperatures and increased loading may push the danger higher, especially in areas of wind loading. A BIG THANKS to the folks who are contributing to the MIN.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number and quality of field observations

Weather Forecast

A series of Pacific storms will move through the region in the next week bringing strong SW winds and more  precipitation.  A brief break in the weather for Monday, but Tuesday is forecast to bring 25 to 35 cm of snow at elevations above1500m.  Freezing levels will begin to drop on Wednesday descending to around 500m for the rest of the week

Avalanche Summary

No reports of natural activity in the forecast region, but Explosive controlled storm slab avalanches up to size 2 and skier controlled cornice to size 2.0 on Thursday from north of Stewart.  Operators are reporting sluffing in steep terrain in the new storm snow at tree line and below.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 50 cm of recent storm snow overlies the Dec 1st. interface. The distribution of surface hoar left after the recent clear, cold weather is our biggest knowledge gap. New storm slabs are widespread and variable in depth. The north of the region has more snow than the south and the temperatures in the north have been cooler with lower freezing levels. If you any observations please submit them to the Mountain information Network (MIN) at www.avalanche.ca

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Recent storm snow loading is building a dense storm slab, and may be more pronounced in areas transported by the wind
Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.>Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Dec 7th, 2015 2:00PM