Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 17th, 2011 9:16AM

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

jfloyer, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to variable snopack conditions

Weather Forecast

Sunday: Flurries. Alpine temperatures dropping to around -8?C. Moderate northwesterly winds.Monday: Mostly dry. Alpine temperatures around -8?C. Moderate westerly winds.Tuesday: Light snowfall. Alpine temperatures around -4?C. Strong westerly winds.

Avalanche Summary

Recent reports of riders triggering small wind slabs on NE aspects around 2100 m are now a few days old, but still valid, given the recent wind event.

Snowpack Summary

A significant wind event early on Saturday has redistributed snow, scouring west-facing slopes and depositing highly variable wind slabs on east-facing slopes. A buried layer of surface hoar lies approximately 20 cm below the snow surface. Reports indicate this layer was blown around before it was buried and can only be found in isolated, sheltered locations. A well settled mid pack bridges over the basal weaknesses at the ground. The crust/facet combo still exists at the ground. This layer was responsible for some large releases earlier on in the season. However, there hasn't been any activity on this layer since early December and confidence is growing that it is gaining strength.

Problems

Wind Slabs

A significant wind event has set up highly variable wind slabs on north through east aspects. Cross-loading is possible on open slopes generally oriented parallel to the wind, which contain features and gullies to catch wind-drifted snow.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 18th, 2011 8:00AM