Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 2nd, 2017–Dec 3rd, 2017

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

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: South Columbia.

Fresh storm snow will need time to settle and stabilize. Watch for changing snow conditions in wind affected terrain and at higher elevations.

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY: 5-10 cm of snow overnight then gradual clearing throughout the day, light northwest wind, alpine temperatures around -10 C.MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, moderate northwest wind, alpine temperatures around -8 C.TUESDAY: Mostly sunny, light wind, alpine temperatures warming to -5 C.

Avalanche Summary

Recent storm snow has been reactive to skier traffic the past few days including several size 1 storm slabs and sluffing in steep terrain. On Saturday, a cornice fall triggered a size 2 storm slab on a northeast aspect at 2250 m in the Monashees.

Snowpack Summary

Friday night's storm delivered anywhere from 10-25 cm of new snow. Total amounts of snow over the past few days varies from 30-70 cm, with even deeper deposits at higher elevations. In most areas the new snow sits above crusts left over from the warm rainy weather in late November. Some snowpack tests indicate a weak bond between the storm snow and the crusts, which warrants extra caution in big, steep, unsupported terrain. The average snow depth is over 200 cm in the alpine, 100-180 cm at treeline, and decreases rapidly below treeline where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

30-70 cm of snow has fallen the past few days and will likely form touchy storm slabs as it settles.

Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, cracking, or recent natural avalanches.The new snow may require several days to settle and stabilize.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2