Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 29th, 2015 8:12AM

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

Avalanche Canada jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Solar radiation and warm alpine temperatures may increase the Avalanche Danger over the next few days.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

The current ridge of high pressure will bring clear skies for the forecast period. Ridgetop winds should remain light on Wednesday and Thursday, intensifying to moderate and southwesterly by Friday. An inversion should develop through the period with above-freezing alpine temperatures expected by Thursday.

Avalanche Summary

On Monday, size 1 soft wind slabs were ski cut in steep, unsupported alpine terrain. The new avalanches formed in response to new snow and wind. Small solar-induced loose wet avalanches have also been reported. The size and likelihood of loose wet avalanches will increase with warmer alpine temperatures expected during the forecast period.

Snowpack Summary

On the weekend, the region received 15-20cm of new low-density snow. At higher elevations, generally moderate southeasterly winds have redistributed much of that snow into soft wind slabs in exposed lee terrain. Solar radiation has also come into play, and depending on the time of day, steep solar aspects may be moist or refrozen.In the upper 70cm of the snowpack you may find a layer of weak surface hoar which was the culprit with a recent avalanche on an east aspect at treeline in the Fitzsimmons Range. Reports indicate this layer is spotty in its distribution, but may be something to watch as the overlying slab gets deeper and gains cohesion through settlement, warming and wind pressing.The mid and lower snowpack are generally considered to be strong and well-settled.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
On Monday, recently formed wind slabs were still reactive to ski cutting in alpine terrain. Watch for triggering behind terrain breaks and over steep, unsupported rolls.
Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.>Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, South West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet
Temperature inversions and solar radiation forecast for the next few days will promote loose wet avalanche activity, especially on steep, sun-exposed slopes.
Be alert to conditions that change with aspect, elevation and time of day.>Watch for clues, like sluffing off of cliffs, that the snowpack is warming up. >

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 30th, 2015 2:00PM