Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 30th, 2012 8:26AM

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

Avalanche Canada triley, Avalanche Canada

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Overnight and Monday: An upper ridge of HIGH pressure will cause temperatures in the alpine to dip to about -16.0 overnight. An inversion is expected to develop in the alpine during the day which may cause temperatures to be near zero at ridge tops with cloud in the valleys. Clear skies may cause some solar warming on steep Southwest thru West aspects. Light Northerly winds and no precipitation.Tuesday: Continued mostly clear skies and valley cloud. Light Northerly winds and no precipitation.Wednesday: The upper ridge is expected to continue dominate the region. Mostly clear skies, light winds, and no precipitation are expected.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported.

Snowpack Summary

New snow combined with wind has formed fresh wind slabs on the surface and/or buried newly formed surface hoar in sheltered, open areas at and below tree line. The mid-pack is reported to be well settled. There has been a recent report of the early November crust (near the base of the snowpack) being reactive. It's important to note that professionals are still cautious about this lingering persistent slab problem, however the likelihood of triggering is low. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack, where triggering a persistent weakness is more likely.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Watch for newly formed and buried windslabs in the lee of terrain features and on cross-loaded features. lee
Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>Be aware of thin areas that may propagate to deeper instabilites.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 31st, 2012 2:00PM

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