Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 12th, 2016 4:38PM

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

jsmith, Avalanche Canada

Lizard-Flathead.

Dry snow and lack of wind has made for good skiing. If the winds increase from light to moderate you may find touchy storm slabs in wind affected terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Wind speed and direction is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: Sunny / Light-moderate northwesterly winds / Average temperature at treeline -18 C.Wednesday: Mix of sun and cloud / Light southerly winds / Average temperature at treeline -15 C.Thursday: Cloudy with flurries / Light easterly winds / Average temperature at treeline -15 C.

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday, numerous natural and skier triggered size 1-1.5 loose dry avalanches were reported throughout the region.

Snowpack Summary

Much of the region received 10-15 cm of new snow with locally higher amounts (30-45 cm) around Fernie. So far this new snow has fallen with no wind and made for great skiing. If winds increase, expect touchy soft slabs to form in wind affected terrain. This new snow is sitting on top of a mixture of surface hoar and weak surface facets which means the storm snow could become quite reactive when it settles into a slab. The mid pack is reported to be well settled. Reports suggest typical treeline snow depths are around 120-170 cm, but a report from the east side of region indicated a much lower snow depth of around 90 cm. Limited reports suggest the crust from the middle of November is down 50-80 cm and the crust from early November is down 80-110 cm.

Problems

Storm Slabs

The winds are the primary factor driving the avalanche danger currently. Currently storm slabs are not present in many areas but if the winds increase to moderate you may find storm slabs reactive to human triggers in wind affected terrain.

Avoid terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Use small slopes to test the bond of the new snow.Use caution as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Dry

Expect sluffing in steep terrain.

Avoid skiing above your partner where your sluff could affect them.Avoid steep slopes above terrain traps where a small sluff could take you where you don't want to go

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 13th, 2016 2:00PM