Avalanche forecast

South Rockies

Dec 10 – 11, 2013Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 13 years ago

Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Winds from the SW have developed wind slabs at higher elevations on lee slopes and behind terrain features. Use extra caution around cross-loaded areas.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–4
    Sugary facets at or near the base of the snowpack likely represent the most worrisome persistent layer at this time. The most likely place to trigger them is on steep, convex slopes with a thin snowpack.

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

The region will see light snowfall amounts, gradual warming and strong ridgetop winds as the warm front of the pacific frontal system arrives on Wednesday. A series of disturbances will continue through the forecast period with the timing and intensity tricky to predict. Wednesday: Cloudy. Snow amounts 5-10 cm. Alpine temperatures near -11. Ridgetop winds moderate from the SW. Thursday: Cloudy with flurries near 3-5 cm. Alpine temperatures near -9. Ridgetop winds moderate, gusting strong from the SW.Friday: Cloudy with some sunny periods. Snow mounts near 5 cm. Alpine temperatures -6. Ridgetop winds light from the SW.

Avalanche Summary

On Monday a size 1.5 rider triggered wind slab avalanche was reported. It was easily triggered and It failed on a NE aspect around 2200 m.

Snowpack Summary

Widespread surface hoar and surface faceting continue to develop. Snowpack depths at treeline seem to vary from 50 - 110 cm. Widespread wind effect is noticeable in the alpine and at treeline.Down 30-40 cm sits a surface hoar/ facet/ crust interface. Snowpack testing showed easy results and some whumphing (failure of a weak layer below your feet). If you're seeing or feeling this, consider it a direct indicator of a buried weakness below.Near the base of the snowpack, weak sugary facets exist. This layer may be stubborn to trigger, especially in deeper snowpack areas. In shallower locations the likelihood may increase especially on a steep, convex slope. In some areas its still below threshold below treeline, and early season hazards like open creeks, and stumps exist.

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