Avalog Join
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 6th, 2013–Dec 7th, 2013
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
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

Regions: South Columbia.

Watch for pockets of wind slab on steep, convex terrain.

Confidence

Poor - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Cold, clear weather looks set to continue through the weeekend.Saturday: Dry, temperatures around -25C, light NW winds.Sunday: Dry, temperatures around -20C, strong NW winds.Monday. A few flurries, maybe 1-2 cm new snow. Temperatures around -16C. Strong NW winds.

Avalanche Summary

One size 1.5 skier-triggered avalanche was reported on 5-Dec near Revelstoke on a N aspect at 2200 m in a pocket of windslab. Crown depth was up to 40 cm.

Snowpack Summary

Snowpack depths are typically 100-140 cm at treeline elevation. The previous storm snow (~30-60cm) overlies the late-November interface which typically consists of sun crusts on steep south facing slopes and surface hoar in sheltered areas. Some buried surface hoar has been reported on south aspect slopes near Revelstoke. These weak layers are expected to be persistent, although in many areas the upper slab is not yet stiff enough for slab avalanches. When temperatures rise, and we get additional snow, expect this interface to become a more dangerous problem. Strong NE winds after the storm caused reverse loading and wind slab formation on SE through W aspects in wind exposed areas. Lower snowpack layers include a surface hoar layer roughly 60cm above the ground and an early season rain crust at the base of the snowpack. While these layers have recently become inactive, residual risk of large, destructive avalanches exists, especially in areas with a thinner snowpack. The October crust can be found in the alpine on north aspects and the early November surface hoar appears to be isolated and drainage specific.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong NE winds have redistributed loose surface snow into wind slabs on southwest facing terrain. This is an atypical loading pattern which has the potential to catch skiers/riders by surprise.
Avoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3