Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 2nd, 2011 8:18AM

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

pmarshall, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Due to limited field observations

Weather Forecast

Expect drier conditions this weekend as a ridge of high pressure builds over the province. The freezing level should be around 1000m on Saturday and near valley bottom Sunday. Winds are generally moderate from the W-SW. A warm front will cross the area late Sunday bringing light precipitation through Monday. The freezing level could jump as high as 2500m on Monday.

Avalanche Summary

No new observations. Wind slabs and storm snow instabilities will remain susceptible to human triggering for at least the next couple days.

Snowpack Summary

Very strong W-SW winds have probably wreaked havoc in any exposed terrain. Expect to find scoured areas, sastrugi, and hard or stiff wind slabs. The average snowpack depth at treeline is over 200cm. The mid and lower snowpack are generally quite strong. Watch for clues of instability like whumpfs or shooting cracks, and if observed back off any steeper objectives.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Very strong W-SW winds have created hard and soft wind slabs in exposed leeward terrain well into treeline.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Storm Slabs

Give the new snow a chance to settle and gain strength before pushing into more committing terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Dec 3rd, 2011 8:00AM