Avalog Join
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 9th, 2013–Dec 10th, 2013
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
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
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

Regions: Northwest Inland.

We're heading into a period of change - from cold dry weather back to a moist southwest flow. Expect avalanche danger to increase heading into the weekend. 

Confidence

Poor - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: Cloudy with light snow developing – around 5 cm. The freezing level is at valley bottom and winds are moderate from the West. Wednesday: A strong frontal system arrives in the morning with moderate to locally heavy precipitation – 15-25 cm. The freezing level is at the surface and winds are strong from the Southwest. Thursday: Precipitation should ease off in the wake of the system. The freezing level remains close to valley bottom and winds should ease to light from the SW.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported; however, reports are limited. Avalanche activity is expected to increase through the week as snow accumulates and temperatures increase.

Snowpack Summary

Snowpack depths are likely highly variable across the region, with elevation, and in wind-exposed areas. Recent cold and clear weather has resulted in surface hoar formation and/or near surface facetting, which is now getting buried by light dry snow. Low-elevation and wind-affected areas likely have a shallow faceted snowpack. While in higher elevation sheltered areas the recent storm snow is likely settling and gaining strength; however, weaknesses at the old snow interface down approximately 40cm may still exist. Average snowpack depths near treeline are highly variable, but around a metre in sheltered areas.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

New wind slabs may form in exposed West facing terrain with expected light snowfall and moderate winds. Old dense or hard wind slabs lurk on a variety of aspects from previous outflow winds. 
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3