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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 5th, 2017–Dec 6th, 2017
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Kootenay Boundary.

The lure of powder slopes and sunny skies will be strong as the weather clears. Take a cautious approach towards more aggressive terrain - especially steep, wind-affected terrain.

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

We're looking at fine weather for the foreseeable future. Temperatures will warm significantly starting Wednesday afternoon. Wednesday: Sunny. Light northerly winds. Freezing levels rising to 2500m by the end of the day.Thursday: Sunny and warm. Freezing levels around 3300 m. Light northwesterly winds.Friday: Sunny and warm. Freezing levels 3200m. Light northerly winds.

Avalanche Summary

On Tuesday we had reports of natural Size 2 to 2.5 wind slab avalanches in the alpine, as a result of the 'reverse loading' pattern caused by north west winds. On Sunday we had reports of natural and skier triggered storm slab avalanches to Size 2 near Nelson. See here for the MIN report. On Saturday a Size 1 skier-triggered avalanche was reported on an unsupported steep gully feature near Nelson. See here for the MIN report. We currently have very limited observations in this region. Please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

30 - 50cm of new snow has fallen in the past week. At higher elevations, north west winds redistributed the snow, forming wind slabs on down wind (lee) features.Below the recent storm snow you'll likely find a couple of widespread crusts (2 to 5 cm thick) which formed as a result of late November's rain. The depth of the snowpack varies greatly with elevation. Recent reports suggest the average depth is 100-170cm in the alpine, 50-100cm at tree line, and decreasing rapidly below tree line where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks. We currently have very limited snowpack observations within this region and it is critical to supplement this information with your own observations.

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

Conditions will be more like spring than winter starting Wednesday. Surface snow layers can become weak when hit by the sun. Minimize your exposure to terrain traps - even small sluffs can push you into dangerous terrain.
Use extra caution on sunny slopes or if the snow is moist or wet.Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Wind Slabs

The current pattern of wind loading in the alpine is NOT what we usually see - winds have been from the north west, creating wind slabs on south and east facing slopes.
Be careful with wind loaded pockets on downwind (south east facing) slopes.Be alert to changing snow conditions, especially where the snow firms up or sounds hollow.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3