Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 27th, 2017 3:07PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs.
jlammers,
Avalanche Canada
Posted danger ratings are for Thursday morning. The avalanche danger is forecast to increase throughout the day and will likely become HIGH by the afternoon.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Timing of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Thursday
Weather Forecast
Wednesday night: 10-20cm of new snow / Moderate southwest winds / Freezing level at 800mThursday: 20-45cm of new snow / Moderate southwest winds / Freezing level at 800mFriday: Mix of sun and cloud in the morning with 5-10cm of snow falling later in the day / Light and variable winds / Freezing level at valley bottomSaturday: Mix of sun and cloud / Light and variable winds / Freezing level at valley bottom
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported. Looking forward, snow and wind forecast for the next few days will likely promote a new round of storm slab activity.
Snowpack Summary
By Thursday morning, up to 20cm of new snow is expected to have fallen. Strong southwest winds are forecast to shift these accumulations into much deeper deposits in high elevation lee terrain. The new snow covers a medley of surfaces which include stubborn wind slabs and wind-scoured exposed crust in the alpine, and soft unconsolidated snow in sheltered areas at treeline and below. About 30 cm below the surface you'll likely find a couple of melt-freeze crusts which were buried in mid-December. These layers haven't produced much in the way of avalanche activity, but could come to life with the additional load of new snowfall, especially in areas where loose facets exist above the crust.Below this, the snowpack is thought to be strong and well settled. Snowpack depths are about 135 cm at the 1100 m elevation with many early season hazards present at lower elevations.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Steady snowfall and strong winds are forecast to create reactive new storm slabs throughout the day on Thursday. Watch for increased reactivity in higher elevation lee terrain. As new snow depths increase, so will the avalanche danger.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.Be alert to conditions that change throughout the day.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 28th, 2017 2:00PM
