Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 12th, 2019 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada kdevine, Avalanche Canada

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The recent storm brought new snow and strong winds, which will mean that storm slabs are likely to be encountered, and may be reactive to human triggering, especially in wind loaded areas.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain.

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT - Flurries, 10-15 cm / southwest winds, 20-40 km/h / alpine low temperature near -3 / freezing level 800 m

FRIDAY - Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries / southwest winds 20-30 km/h / alpine high temperature near -4 / freezing level 800 m

SATURDAY - Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries / light northwest winds / alpine high temperature near -7

SUNDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / light northwest winds / alpine high temperature near -8

Avalanche Summary

There were no avalanche reports from Thursday, but observations are still very limited in this region. With over 20 cm of new snow and strong winds, it is likely that there were natural avalanches throughout the day. These new storm slabs may continue to be reactive on Friday, especially in wind loaded areas.

Snowpack Summary

20-30 cm of new snow likely sits on a weak layer of surface hoar. Recent strong winds have likely formed storm slabs that may be reactive to human triggers. The middle of the snowpack contains a mix of hard crusts and facet/crust layers. Snowpack depths remain very shallow throughout the region with about 75-100 cm at upper treeline elevations. Below treeline terrain is below the threshold for avalanches.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

Up to 30 cm of new snow likely sits on a weak layer of surface hoar. Storm slabs will likely be reactive, especially in wind loaded areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 13th, 2019 5:00PM

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