Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 10th, 2013 8:40AM

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

Avalanche Canada triley, Avalanche Canada

A new storm is starting and the avalanche danger is increasing.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Overnight and Wednesday: A strong frontal system arrives overnight bringing moderate to locally heavy precipitation 15-25 cm. The freezing level should be at the surface and winds are expected to be strong from the Southwest. Thursday: Continued moderate precipitation combined with moderate to strong Southwest winds. The freezing level remains close to valley bottoms.Friday: There should be a bit of a lull between storms. Very little precipitation and moderate Westerly winds

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche activity is expected to increase through the week as snow accumulates and temperatures increase.

Snowpack Summary

Snowpack depths are likely highly variable across the region, with elevation, and in wind-exposed areas. Recent cold and clear weather has resulted in surface hoar formation and/or near surface facetting, which is now getting buried by light dry snow. Low-elevation and wind-affected areas likely have a shallow faceted snowpack. While in higher elevation sheltered areas the recent storm snow is likely settling and gaining strength; however, weaknesses at the old snow interface down approximately 40cm may still exist. Average snowpack depths near treeline are highly variable, but around a metre in sheltered areas.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
New storm snow and strong Westerly winds are expected to develop storm slabs at all elevations.
Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 11th, 2013 2:00PM