Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 11th, 2014 8:33AM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

This bulletin was published using very limited field data. You can help by using the new Mountain Information Network. For more info, check out this blog post: http://www.avalanche.ca/blogs/VIYBuScAAJdbdqPz/m-i-n-intro

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Generally overcast skies are forecast for Friday with moderate to strong southwest winds and freezing levels at about 1800m. On Saturday, up to 15cm of snow is expected with light to moderate variable winds and freezing levels at about 1300m. By Sunday the region will be under a dry ridge of high pressure with mainly clear skies, light northwest winds, and freezing levels near valley bottom.

Avalanche Summary

Loose wet avalanches to size 1.5 were observed on Wednesday in the Elk Valley North area between 1600 and 2000m. No other avalanches were reported. If you have any observations you'd like to share, please check out the new Mountain Information Network. For details, check out: http://www.avalanche.ca/blogs/VIYBuScAAJdbdqPz/m-i-n-intro

Snowpack Summary

Recent warming suggests snow surfaces are likely moist or wet at most elevations. There is at least one, maybe more, problematic layers in the mid and lower snowpack. About 90cm of settled snow overlies a weak layer of facets and crusts which formed during November's dry spell. Not much is known about the reactivity of this layer, nor the slab above it, but I'd assume it exists in most alpine terrain.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Warm temperatures may spark renewed destructive avalanche activity on weak layers near the base of the snowpack. These weak layers are more likely to be found at higher elevations, and may surprise with nasty consequences.

Avoid large alpine slopes that have a deeply buried crust with facets. >Avoid slopes with variable snowpack depths. Avalanches may be triggered from thin spots around boulders or small trees.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Loose Wet

Continued warming may trigger more loose wet avalanche activity, especially in areas where loose snow overrides a hard crust.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 12th, 2014 2:00PM