Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 13th, 2017 3:49PM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low.

jsmith, Avalanche Canada

Purcells.

It's still GO Time out there! Slopes that have remained sheltered from the sun and wind will likely hold the best snow.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light southwesterly ridgetop winds / Freezing level near 1000m with an above freezing layer 2200-3000m.FRIDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries / Light to moderate southwesterly ridgetop winds / Freezing level near 800m. SATURDAY: Sunny / Moderate westerly ridgetop winds / Freezing level near 500m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported within this region on Tuesday. Please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

Small wind slabs may still be lingering in isolated locations on steep alpine faces but are likely stubborn to human trigger.Surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals) continue to grow larger in shady, sheltered areas where the wind or sun have been unable to destroy this layer which will be the primary concern after the next snowfall builds a slab on top of it. Southerly aspects have surface crusts that may also have surface hoar crystals on slopes that do not receive enough sun to melt the crystals or moist snow on steeper slopes that receive more direct sun.A major feature in the snowpack is a crust which was formed by rain in late November. It is down approximately 40-60cm at treeline elevations and snowpack tests suggest the snow is currently bonding well to it.Below treeline, the snowpack depth decreases rapidly. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks.

Valid until: Dec 14th, 2017 2:00PM