Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 7th, 2013–Dec 8th, 2013

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

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Northwest Inland.

Keep an eye on temperatures on Sunday. We could see an above freezing layer develop, which could unlock the snowpack and increase the potential for rider triggering.

Confidence

Poor - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Sunday:A mix of sun and cloud. Temperatures remain cold in the valley bottoms, but an above freezing layer could develop later in the day between 1200 and 2000 m. Winds should be moderate from the Northwest. Monday:Mainly cloudy with a chance of flurries. Freezing level remains at valley bottom and winds are moderate to strong from the Northwest. Tuesday:Mainly cloudy with a chance of flurries. Freezing level remains at valley bottom and winds are light to moderate from the W-NW.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported, but reports are limited.

Snowpack Summary

Snowpack depths are likely highly variable across the region, with elevation, and in wind-exposed areas. Low-elevation and wind-affected areas likely have a shallow faceted snowpack. While in higher elevation sheltered areas the recent storm snow is likely settling and gaining strength; however, weaknesses at the old snow interface down approximately 40cm may still need time to heal. In the Ashman Ridge area on Sunday, this interface gave easy compression test results. Northerly outflow winds are likely forming fresh wind slabs in exposed lee terrain and scouring windward terrain. Average snowpack depths near treeline are highly variable, but around a metre in sheltered areas.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Warmer temperatures at higher elevations on Sunday could make old wind or storm slabs more susceptible for rider triggering, especially in exposed treeline terrain.

Avoid traveling in areas that have been reverse-loaded or cross-loaded by winds.>Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4