Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 7th, 2017 8:00AM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Loose Wet.

Parks Canada andrew jones, Parks Canada

As the temperatures climb and the sun shines, the best snow will be found on northerly aspects.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A strong temperature inversion is in place, with an 8 degree difference between valley bottom and tree line. Freezing levels are expected to climb as high as 3400m today with alpine temperatures reaching 5 degrees! Expect calm winds and intense solar input above the valley cloud. High pressure and warm alpine temperatures persist into next week.

Snowpack Summary

50cm of storm snow is beginning to gain cohesion. Recent snow appears to be bonding well to the november 26th crust which is down 60-80cm. Pockets of wind slab exist in alpine lees, and a thin crust is now present on steep solar aspects. With high temperatures in the forecast, expect the surface snow to become moist this afternoon.

Avalanche Summary

Minor sluffing was observed on steep solar aspects.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet
Solar input and unusually high temperatures are expected to result in loose moist slides on steeper solar aspects today. Larger loose slides have the potential to entrain snow and step down to deeper persistent layers. Don't be caught off guard.
Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.If triggered the loose wet sluffs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Dec 8th, 2017 8:00AM