Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 17th, 2015 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada Ian Jackson, Avalanche Canada

We should get a small storm on Friday which will refresh ski conditions, but not enough to change the avalanche danger. Remain vigilant with routefinding below treeline where the Dec. 3rd Surface Hoar may be lurking!

Summary

Weather Forecast

The ridge of high pressure will start to break down Friday morning. Friday afternoon into Saturday morning, a system will dump 5-10 cm at upper elevations with winds switching to moderate from the SW and freezing levels staying at valley bottom.  Saturday and Sunday will be partly cloudy with light precipitation and light west winds.

Snowpack Summary

In sheltered terrain between 1500m and 1850m, a 40-50cm soft slab sits over the large December 3rd surface hoar. This layer continues to produce whumphs and easy shears where it is present. No other significant shears have been observed. There is approximately 130-140cm at treeline.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed in past few days.

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations

Problems

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

A 40-50cm soft slab sits over the Dec 3rd surface hoar in many sheltered location between 1500 m and 1850m. Continue to treat all steep (35+ degree) open slopes below tree line with suspicion until you can rule out this weak layer.

  • Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.
  • Avoid open slopes and convex rolls at and below treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 18th, 2015 4:00PM