Avalog Join
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 18th, 2012–Dec 19th, 2012
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Purcells.

Weather Forecast

Overnight and Wednesday: A weak ridge of High pressure will continue to cause cold and dry conditions during the day. The next Pacific frontal system is expected to move into the region by Wednesday evening. Light Westerly winds will become moderate Southerly as the storm moves in and brings 5-10 mm of precipitation, that should be snow (10-15 cms) at all elevations.Thursday: Strong Southerly winds combined with flurries that should end during the day. Freezing level should remain at valley bottoms, and alpine temperatures about -15.0.Friday: Flurries and gusty Northeast winds as a cold arctic airmass moves in from the Yukon.

Avalanche Summary

Ski cutting produced soft slab avalanches up to size 1.0 in the North of the Region.

Snowpack Summary

The recent storm deposited 10-15 cms in the North of the region near Golden, and 20-25 cms further South near the Purcell Wilderness Conservancy. Some areas reported a new layer of surface hoar that developed just before the storm in the North of the region, and are now buried down 5-15 cms. Thin new windslabs continue to grow as strong Southeast winds transport snow at alpine elevations in the North. Strong Southwest winds are transporting snow into wind slabs in the South of the region.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are expected to continue to develop due to forecast new snow and strong Southeast winds in the areas near Golden, and strong Southwest winds in the areas near Kimberley.
Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Avoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4