Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 11th, 2016 4:58PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Dry and Storm Slabs.

jsmith, Avalanche Canada

Lizard-Flathead.

Dry snow and no wind should make for good skiing on Monday! Forecast wind speeds are still uncertain. Consider wind affected terrain to be one step higher than posted danger ratings.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Wind speed and direction is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Monday: Mostly cloudy; clearing in the afternoon. / Light to moderate westerly winds / High of -17 C.Tuesday: Mix of sun and cloud / Light westerly winds / High of -17 C.Wednesday: Mix of sun and cloud / Light westerly winds / High of -16 C.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported in this region, however, this may change if wind speeds increase and create touchy soft slabs.

Snowpack Summary

Much of the region received 10-15 cm of new snow with locally higher amounts (30-40 cm) around Fernie. So far this new snow has fallen with no wind and made for great skiing. If winds increase, expect touchy soft slabs to form in wind affected terrain. This new snow is sitting on top of a mixture of surface hoar and weak surface facets. The mid pack is reported to be well settled. There is sufficient snow on the ground for avalanches at treeline and alpine elevations, and possibly in some below treeline locations. Reports suggest typical treeline snow depths are around 110-150 cm, but a report from the east side of region indicated a much lower snow depth of around 90 cm. Limited reports suggest the crust from the middle of November is down 50-80 cm and the crust from early November is down 80-110 cm.

Problems

Loose Dry

Expect sluffing in steep terrain.

Avoid steep slopes above terrain traps where a small sluff could take you where you don't want to goAvoid skiing above your partner where your sluff could affect them.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Storm Slabs

Fresh soft slabs will be most reactive in wind affected areas.

Use caution as you transition into wind affected terrain.Use small slopes to test the bond of the new snow.Avoid terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 12th, 2016 2:00PM