Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 27th, 2012 8:58AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Dry.

Avalanche Canada mbender, Avalanche Canada

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Wind speed or direction are uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

Friday: Light precipitation and overcast skies, winds moderate from the west and northwest. Alpine temperatures near -11.Saturday: Light precipitation in the early part of the day with partially sunny breaks in the afternoon. Winds will be strong from the northwest. Alpine temperatures will be near -10.Sunday: A weak ridge of high pressure should bring drier conditions with upper level temperatures remaining cool.

Avalanche Summary

There are no recent avalanche observations to report at this time.

Snowpack Summary

The most recent new snow from the weekend and late last week has been redistributed by the wind creating wind slabs in isolated locations. These are sitting on a generally well-settled mid-pack. Deep persistent instabilities (surface hoar and an early November crust, respectively) located in the middle and near the bottom of the snowpack may still be a concern but there's little recent evidence of them being reactive. It is important to know that we have very limited observations for this region. Digging down and making your own observations, especially in thinner snowpack areas, remains a good idea to assist safe slope selection. If you are spending anytime in the backcountry, send us your observations. Every bit is greatly appreciated! Email us at: forecaster@avalanche.ca

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Recent southerly and westerly winds have created wind slabs in the lee of terrain features. lee
Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>Stay well to the windward side of corniced ridges.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Dry

An icon showing Loose Dry
Expect unconsolidated surface snow to sluff in steep terrain.
Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.>Be aware of party members below you that may be exposed to your sluffs.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 28th, 2012 2:00PM