Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 8th, 2017 3:22PM

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

mgrist, Avalanche Canada

Purcells.

Seek the shade for the best and safest riding.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

We'll see little change in the weather pattern: valley cloud and cool temperatures down low but sunny and warm up high. SATURDAY: Sunny and warm above the valley cloud. Light wind. Freezing level near 2000 m with a colder air layer in the valleys. Alpine high temperatures near +3.SUNDAY: Cloudy with sunny breaks. Light to moderate south-west winds. Freezing level near 2500 m.MONDAY: Sunny and warm above valley cloud. Light wind. Freezing level near 3000 m with a colder air layer in the valleys.

Avalanche Summary

On the whole, there has been little recent avalanche activity reported, but a natural avalanche cycle is expected on steep sunny slopes. A previous wind slab cycle has slowed down over the last few days.

Snowpack Summary

Warm temperatures up high will melt and weaken upper snowpack layers, particularly on steep sunny slopes. Warming also has the potential to wake up more deeply buried crust layers. Recently formed wind slabs are gaining strength, but may still be found in the lee of ridges and terrain breaks. Below tree line, the snowpack is shallow--look out for early season hazards like open creeks and tree stumps.

Problems

Loose Wet

Loose wet avalanches are likely in steep, rocky, sunny terrain. Warming could also wake up more deeply buried weak layers.

Use caution above ledges and cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 9th, 2017 2:00PM