Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 11th, 2015 8:50AM

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

Avalanche Canada esharp, Avalanche Canada

The best riding conditions and lowest avalanche danger are going to be found in sheltered terrain where the snow is unaffected by wind.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Sunday

Weather Forecast

Get ready for the last blast of this storm system. SATURDAY: Another 10cm of snow through the day and 15 overnight. It's going to remain cool with a freezing level below 1000m. Winds are going to build to strong from the south through the day. SUNDAY: 5cm new snow, moderate southwest winds, freezing level at 800m. MONDAY: Clear, light northwest winds and freezing level at 500m.

Avalanche Summary

Explosive avalanche control continues to produce slab avalanches on instabilities within the storm snow. Wind loaded pockets sitting above the rain crust have the most potential to be reactive to skier triggering.

Snowpack Summary

Almost a meter and a half of new snow has fallen in the high alpine over the last week. Predominantly southerly winds are loading lee features in the alpine and at tree line. Freezing levels rose early in the week and a rain crust can be found in the upper snowpack up to 2200m. In sheltered terrain around tree-line this crust is now buried by about 40cm of dry, low density snow.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Natural and human triggered slab avalanches will be coming increasingly likely through the day especially in steep unsupported terrain and wind loaded features.
Choose conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.>Sheltered slopes will offer the best skiing today.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Dec 12th, 2015 2:00PM