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Avalanche Forecast

Dec 17th, 2012–Dec 18th, 2012
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Regions: Sea To Sky.

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Wednesday

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: Light SW winds. Alpine temp -12. A few cm snow.Wednesday: Strong S winds. Alpine temp -8. Heavy snow (~40 cm).Thursday: Light to moderate S winds. Alpine temp -9. Moderate to heavy snow (~30 cm).

Avalanche Summary

Recent activity has been limited to a few small (size 1-1.5) soft slab avalanches in immediate lee features and small loose snow avalanches in steep terrain.

Snowpack Summary

New snow depths are highly variable and decrease as you go inland. 40-80 cm of recent storm snow overlies a thin layer of surface hoar in some areas. Wind slabs are buried on many exposed slopes in the alpine and near treeline from previous winds. New wind slabs are likely to form as low density snow will be easily shifted by forecast strong southerly winds. The mid-pack is well settled and strong.A layer of surface hoar that formed during late November has been found intact or decomposing in some locations down a metre or more. The early November crust/facet combination near the base of the snowpack seems to be dormant. Triggering one of these persistent weak layers from a shallow snowpack area remains possible.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

New and buried wind slabs exist on many slopes due to changing winds. Be alert for these below ridge crests, behind terrain features, and in cross-loaded gullies.
Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Very Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 5

Loose Dry

In areas protected from the wind, fast-moving sluff could knock you off your feet or carry you into a terrain trap.
On steep slopes, pull over periodically or cut into a new line to manage sluffing.>Be aware of party members below you that may be exposed to your sluffs.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4