Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 17th, 2019 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate.

Avalanche Canada MBender, Avalanche Canada

Wind blowing from the west has created fresh wind slabs at upper elevations. Weak layers near the base of the snowpack remain a concern in steep rocky terrain.

Summary

Confidence

No Rating - Uncertainty is due to extremely variable snowpack conditions reported through the region.

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY Night: Scattered flurries, accumulation 2-5 cm, moderate to strong west wind, alpine high temperature -7 C.

WEDNESDAY: Mainly cloudy, moderate west and southwest wind, alpine high temperature -7 C.

THURSDAY: Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries, light to moderate southwest wind, alpine high temperature -6 C.

FRIDAY: Snow, accumulation 10-20 cm, moderate to strong south wind, alpine high temperature -2 C.

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday there was a report of a size 3 explosives controlled deep persistent slab avalanche on a north aspect in the alpine. The fracture was 150 cm deep. On Monday there were also reports of a few explosives controlled size 1.5 deep persistent avalanches on north aspects at tree line.

Snowpack Summary

So far this season's snowpack has a high degree of variability. Anywhere from 15 to 40 cm of snow may sit on a weak layer of surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline. A second layer of surface hoar primarily found in the in north of the region is found 40-60 cm below the surface in sheltered areas at treeline.

There are a variety of crusts buried in the mid to lower snowpack. These crusts have mostly broken down. The base of the snowpack generally consists of facets and depth hoar.

Valid until: Dec 18th, 2019 5:00PM