Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 3rd, 2019 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada astclair, Avalanche Canada

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Snow accumulation has varied across the region following the recent storm. In areas with higher snow totals, it may be possible to trigger storm slabs, especially near and above tree line where it has been drifted by wind.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain. Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

Weather Forecast

Tuesday night: Mostly cloudy, scattered flurries with up to 5 cm of snow possible, west winds 30-60 km/h, alpine temperature -10 C

Wednesday: Cloudy with periods of sun, isolated flurries with up to 5 cm of snow possible, west winds 30-60 km/h, alpine high temperature -8 C

Thursday: Cloudy with periods of sun, isolated flurries with a trace of precipitation, light southerly winds, alpine high temperature -7 C

Friday: Mix of sun and cloud, isolated flurries with a trace of precipitation, light variable winds, alpine high temperature -10 C

Avalanche Summary

In areas that received higher snow accumulations and wind, storm slabs may be reactive to human triggers.

There have been no recent reports of avalanches in the region; however, there is very little information available this time. If you get out into the mountains, let us know what you see by submitting to the Mountain Information Network!

Snowpack Summary

In drifted areas, anywhere from 10-20 cm of new snow likely sits on a mix of melt-freeze crusts, hard wind slabs, sugary faceted snow, and feathery surface hoar crystals depending on location. This snow may form reactive storm slabs at and above treeline elevations, especially in wind affected areas. 

Total snowpack depth ranges from 50-100 cm and tapers rapidly at lower elevations.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

Recent new snow may have formed reactive storm slabs, especially in deeper areas and where the snow has been drifted by wind into a thicker, more cohesive layer.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 4th, 2019 5:00PM