Avalanche forecast

South Columbia

Sep 18, 2015 – Sep 18, 2016Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Heavy snowfall combined with strong westerly winds is expected to increase the avalanche danger.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    3–6
    New storm slabs will add to the existing load above the persistent weak layer of buried surface hoar. Expect large to very large avalanches to result from light additional loads. Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeply buried weak layers.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely - Very Likely
    Size
    1–4
    Forecast new snow and strong winds are expected to increase the size and likelihood of storm slab avalanches.

Confidence

Poor - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

A fast moving winter storm system is expected to bring heavy precipitation and strong winds to the region overnight. The storm may linger in the region for a couple of days. Winds should subside by the end of the forecast period. Cool temperatures should keep the freezing level at valley bottoms throughout the forecast period.

Avalanche Summary

New storm snow avalanches continue to be reported from all aspects and elevation bands in the region. Persistent slab avalanches have been observed on north and easterly aspects in the alpine and at treeline up to size 3.0. The ongoing storm is expected to increase the likelihood and size of avalanches over the next few days.

Snowpack Summary

A heavy load of new snow is expected to add to the existing storm snow problem. Additional loading above the persistent weak layer may result in continued easy triggering from light additional loads like skiers and riders. The weak layer of buried surface hoar crystals is now down about 100 cms in most parts of the region at treeline. In the alpine the weak layer may be down closer to 150 cms or deeper in wind loaded terrain features.

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