Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 2nd, 2017 4:45PM

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

shorton, Avalanche Canada

Purcells.

Snow from recent storms will remain reactive on wind-loaded terrain features.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Wind speed and direction is uncertain

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY: 4-8 cm of snow overnight then gradual clearing throughout the day, light northwest wind, alpine temperatures around -10 C.MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light to moderate northwest wind, alpine temperatures around -10 C.TUESDAY: Mostly sunny, light wind, alpine temperatures warming to -7 C.

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, several size 1 wind slabs were triggered with explosives in the Golden and Invermere areas. There are no recent reports of natural or human triggered avalanches, but observations are limited. Please submit to the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

Recent storms delivered 20-40 cm, with deeper wind deposits at higher elevations. The new snow sits above various crusts and moist snow left over from the warm weather in late November. Two deeper layers have been reported including the November 10 surface hoar layer down 80 cm and the Halloween crust down 100 cm. Information on the reactivity of these layers is limited. The average snow depth is over 150 cm in the alpine, 80-150 cm at treeline, and decreases rapidly below treeline where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind and snow has formed small reactive wind slabs on the downwind side of ridges and gullies.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, cracking or recent natural avalanches.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 3rd, 2017 2:00PM