Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 10th, 2017 3:56PM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Wet.

Avalanche Canada mconlan, Avalanche Canada

Email

Sea To Sky.

Shady slopes offer the best snow, but watch out for wind slabs that may have formed at higher elevations.

Summary

Confidence

High - The weather pattern is stable

Weather Forecast

MONDAY: Clear skies, light to moderate southwesterly winds, freezing level around 3700 m with inversion conditions.TUESDAY: Partly cloudy, light to moderate southwesterly winds, freezing level around 2300 m with inversion conditions.WEDNESDAY: Mostly clear skies, light southwesterly winds, freezing level rising to 3400 m with inversion conditions.

Avalanche Summary

A small natural wind slab avalanche was noted on Saturday in steep alpine terrain on a northerly aspect.  No new avalanches were observed on Thursday or Friday.  Numerous small to large loose wet avalanches up to size 2 were observed on solar aspects on Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

Warm air temperatures and clear skies have created surface crusts on south-facing slopes at higher elevations. The crusts may break down over the day with sunny conditions.  Moderate wind speeds from the south may have produced localized wind slabs on northerly lee features.  Surface hoar up to 10 mm and near-surface faceting have been noted in shady locations.  The snow from last week is settling and generally bonding well to the late-November rain crusts.  Cornices may be weakening with the continuing warm air temperatures.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Increased winds from the south may have produced wind slabs, particularly behind ridges in alpine terrain. Be cautious of firm snow when entering lee features.
Avoid wind-loaded pockets near ridges.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet
Warm air temperatures and clear skies have produced spring-like conditions on steep solar aspects. Loose wet avalanches may begin small but can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.
Avoid sunny slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if the snow is moist or wet.Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps, where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 11th, 2017 2:00PM

Login
Join