Avalanche forecast

North Columbia

Dec 13, 2016Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 10 years ago

Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low

Highlights

If the wind picks-up, new reactive wind slabs may form

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Wind slabs are reported to exist at treeline and in the alpine. Watch for conditions that change with aspect and elevation.

Confidence

Moderate - Wind speed and direction is uncertain on Tuesday

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: Clear skies / Light north wind / Alpine temperature of -17Wednesday: Sunny with cloudy periods / Light south wind / Alpine temperature of -10Thursday: Mix of sun and cloud / Light to moderate northerly wind / Alpine temperature -8

Avalanche Summary

In recent days, a few skier triggered wind slabs size to 1.0 were reported at treeline and in the alpine.

Snowpack Summary

In most areas there is 30-50 cm of recent low density storm snow that has stayed unconsolidated except where it has been transported into wind slabs. The surface snow has been facetting due to the cold temperatures, and some surface hoar has been developing in isolated areas. The mid-pack has been reported to be well settled above above a crust that was buried in mid-november. This crust may be buried less than a metre to close to 2 metres deep, depending on elevation and previous exposure to winds. Snowpack tests on the crust have shown variable results from sudden to no result. Professionals continue to monitor this crust and are watching for facet development above and below that may increase reactivity. The basal layers of the snowpack continue to be reported to be moist in some of the deeper snowpack areas of the region.

Regions covered