Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 8th, 2019 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada MBender, Avalanche Canada

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There is uncertainty with the presence and reactivity of several buried weak layers. Best to adopt a conservative approach while the snowpack adjusts to the increased load from recent snowfalls.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Recent weather patterns have resulted in a high degree of snowpack variability within the region.

Weather Forecast

Sunday Night: Cloudy periods, alpine temperature -7, light to moderate northwest wind.

Monday: Mix of sun and clouds, alpine temperature -6, moderate northwest wind.

Tuesday: Mix of sun and cloud, alpine temperature -7, light west wind.

Wednesday: Cloudy with isolated flurries, alpine temperature -8, light west wind.

Avalanche Summary

There have only been a handful of snowpack and weather observations from this area. Natural storm slab avalanches to size 1.5 were observed in the region on Friday. There was more than likely a natural avalanche cycle that coincided with snowfall late in the week.

Snowpack Summary

40-80 cm of new snow fell over the past week. All this new snow sits on top of a thick layer of faceted crystals, previously wind-affected surfaces, and/or surface hoar (feathery crystals) in sheltered areas around treeline and below.

A layer of surface hoar may be found in sheltered areas around treeline down 60-90 cm.

A variety of crusts from late October are buried deeper in the snowpack.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

25-45 cm of new snow accumulating late last week has formed a reactive storm slab. In some areas this may be sitting on a layer of weak surface hoar.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

A surface hoar/crust layer, down 60-90 cm may be found in some parts of the region. This layer is most likely found in sheltered openings.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Dec 9th, 2019 5:00PM