Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 2nd, 2017 4:24PM

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

Avalanche Canada shorton, Avalanche Canada

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

Summary

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.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing 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

Valid until: Dec 3rd, 2017 2:00PM