Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 3rd, 2020 4:00PM

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

Marcus Waring,

Email

The wind effected upper snowpack will be stressed by rapid warming caused by a strong temperature inversion in our area. Be mindful of your overhead hazard if you plan on venturing into the backcounty this weekend.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Alpine temperature inversion will be prevalent throughout the forecast period.

Thurs night- Freezing levels at valley bottom.

Friday- Mostly Sunny. Strong West wind in townsite, moderate at Cameron Lake. Alpine high of +5 with cooler temps at lower elevations.

Saturday- Sunny. Freezing levels above mt. top with inversion.

Sunday- Sunny. Alpine high 0.

Snowpack Summary

Wind transport has scoured SW aspects to ground in exposed alpine terrain. Northerly aspects & protected areas have wind slab 5-40cm thick over a melt freeze crust. Lower snowpack is beginning to facet below this crust.

Snowpack @ 2000m: Cameron Lake 80cm. Less than 30cm in rest of park. Below tree line elevation is under threshold snowpack height.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed.

Confidence

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

This problem may be difficult to perceive with the strong temperature inversion keeping temperatures relatively cool at lower elevations. Be mindful of exposure to overhead hazard.

  • Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Dec 6th, 2020 4:00PM