Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 13th, 2014 4:00PM
The alpine rating is Deep Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeWith blue skies in the forecast, it is important to remember that the base of our snowpack is still very weak. Stick to well supported, moderate angled terrain in the alpine. Ice climbers should also watch for the effects of solar heating above them.
Summary
Weather Forecast
A ridge of high pressure is building that will persist through Tuesday. Light winds, cooler temperatures and clear skies will be the norm for the next few days. Watch for some intense solar effect on steep south facing terrain.
Snowpack Summary
In the alpine a few cm`s of new snow overlies widespread wind slabs created by recent strong SW winds. At treeline and above, mild temperatures have helped strengthened the upper snowpack but the basal rain crust/facets remain weak. Below treeline a rain crust is present and the moist snow is gaining strength rapidly with the cooler temps.
Avalanche Summary
A few explosive triggered avalanches up to size 2 were observed at Sunshine Village today failing on the basal crust/facet combination. No new natural avalanches were observed today.
Confidence
Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
Natural avalanche activity has tapered off but snowpack tests show that the weak facets at the base of the snowpack continue to be a concern. With a stronger upper snowpack, triggering an avalanche is less likely but the consequences remain serious.
- Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.
- Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Recent strong southwest winds have stripped windward areas and created fresh wind slabs in lee terrain in the alpine. If triggered these wind slabs can easily step down to the basal facets resulting in a larger avalanche than expected.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 14th, 2014 4:00PM