Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 3rd, 2017–Dec 4th, 2017

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: North Columbia.

Fresh snow with cold weather is offering excellent riding, but it's critical to approach avalanche terrain cautiously because large storm slabs are still possible.

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

MONDAY: Isolated flurries with sunny breaks, moderate northwest wind, alpine temperatures around -10 C.TUESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light northwest wind, alpine temperatures warming to -5 C.WEDNESDAY: Sunny, light wind, inversion forming with alpine temperatures possibly reaching above 0 C.

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, there were numerous reports of natural storm slab avalanches in the size 1-2 range, but no human-triggered activity was reported. Explosive control in the Monashees produced a size 3 avalanche on a wind-loaded northeast ridge crest that scoured down to a late November crust.

Snowpack Summary

Snow from last week's storms is settling and getting redistributed by northwest winds. Roughly 30-70 cm of recent snow sits above various crusts from the warm weather in late November. Reports suggest the snow is bonding to the crusts so far, but there's potential for this layer to develop into a bigger problem in the near-future. Snow depths decrease rapidly below treeline, where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs remain possible to trigger as 30-70 cm of snow from last week settles above a buried crust. Extra caution is needed on wind-loaded terrain features.

Choose well supported terrain without convexities.Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3