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Avalanche Forecast

Dec 31st, 2016–Jan 1st, 2017
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Sea To Sky.

Relatively light amounts of new snow may form wind slabs behind exposed features. These could become touchy if they are kissed by the sun on south aspect slopes.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY: Clearing following some light snow overnight. Winds northeasterly around 40 km/h. Treeline temperatures around -8C.MONDAY: Dry and sunny. Winds northeasterly 30 km/h. Temperatures around -10C.TUESDAY: Dry and sunny. Winds northeasterly 30 km/h. Temperatures around -12C.

Avalanche Summary

Early on Friday a few natural slab avalanches to size 2 were reported in storm snow above 1900 m. Explosive control was able to release similar avalanches.

Snowpack Summary

Between Monday and Friday, 70-100 cm of storm snow accumulated in the region. Below the new snow from this week lies the Boxing Day interface which consisted of wind affected surfaces, faceted (sugary) snow, or surface hoar. Recent observations suggest the overlying snow is generally well bonded to this interface. Recent weaknesses in the snowpack have been isolated to storm snow interfaces. Recent strong winds have been from a variety of directions and have been loading leeward and cross loaded features in wind exposed terrain. The mid-December interface is now down 100-150 cm and is generally considered to be stable in this region.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs remain from recent loading by new snow and wind on exposed lee slopes. Watch for "reverse loading" on less commonly loaded south aspect slopes. Denser slabs found on south aspect slopes could be made more unstable by the sun.
Recent winds have changed direction. Watch for wind slabs on all aspects.Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3