Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 17th, 2015–Dec 18th, 2015

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

4: High

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Regions: Sea To Sky.

Forecast wind and new snow will increase the avalanche danger. New storm slabs are expected to be widespread in the alpine and at treeline.

Confidence

Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Snow and moderate southerly winds overnight with freezing level down to 500 metres. Expect 15-25 cm in the alpine by Friday morning. Snow continuing during the day with strong westerly winds, expect another 10-15 cm during the day. Light snow overnight and during the day Saturday. Heavy snowfall Sunday morning and during the day Sunday combined with strong southwest winds.

Avalanche Summary

No new natural avalanches reported.

Snowpack Summary

The new storm is expected to develop widespread storm slabs above the old surface of loose snow at treeline and wind affected snow in the alpine. Northerly winds transported some snow on Wednesday into soft wind slabs on lee aspects. There were some reports of easy test results between the wind slab and the old storm snow below. These new wind slabs overlie 40-50cm of storm snow from last weekend. Limited observations suggest the recent storm snow has gained considerable strength, although I'd continue to be wary of lingering pockets of wind slab on high elevation, wind-loaded slopes. On steep, south-facing terrain you may find a sun crust from solar warming on Monday. Below 2200m, a hard rain crust can be found approximately 120cm below the surface.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

New storm slabs are expected to develop with forecast new snow and wind. Watch for reverse loading as the wind direction changes back to the south.

Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.>Avoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4