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Avalanche Forecast

Dec 21st, 2015–Dec 22nd, 2015
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
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: South Rockies.

We would love more observations to make our forecast better! Post yours to the MIN.

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

An unsettled flow continues to affect the southern part of the province, bringing flurries and cold temperatures. Models disagree on snowfall amounts, but generally show light amounts. Winds are generally light, but may increase with the passage of frontal systems. The freezing level stays near surface. For more details check out https://avalanche.ca/weather.

Avalanche Summary

Wind slabs were reported to have developed at all elevations on Monday, but at the time of writing no avalanches have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

The series of recent storms has left us with around 50-80 cm new snow. Strong to extreme SW winds on Sunday created wind slabs at all elevations, which may now be buried by Sunday night's bonus snowfall. Recent storm snow overlies a hard rain crust. A weak layer from early December consisting of crust, surface hoar, and/or facets and is typically down around a metre. Around 20-30 cm below this interface is a rain crust from mid-Nov with a thick layer of facets below it. Both the early-Dec and mid-Nov layers are probably being capped at treeline and below by the more recent rain crust layer. However, these layers may still be reactive to heavy triggers such as cornices or smaller avalanches stepping down. 

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Recent strong SW winds created wind slabs at all elevations. These may now be hidden under new snow. New storm slabs may also exist.
Avoid recently wind loaded features and use ridges/ribs to sneak around these problem areas.>Watch for areas of hard wind slab in steep alpine features.>Choose conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4