Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 8th, 2016 5:06PM

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

shorton, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

Watch for blowing snow at ridgetops to see where wind slabs are developing.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Wind effect is extremely variable

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY: Isolated flurries, 20-40 km/h southwest winds, alpine temperatures at -15.SATURDAY: Light flurries with up to 5 cm accumulations, 20-40 km/h southwest winds, alpine temperatures at -12.SUNDAY: Isolated flurries, 20-40 km/h west winds, alpine temperatures at -12.

Avalanche Summary

Small loose dry avalanches continue to be reported in steep terrain, but no slab avalanches have been reported since Tuesday.

Snowpack Summary

Northerly winds continue to redistributed loose snow, forming stubborn wind slabs in exposed alpine areas. New surface hoar up to 15 mm in size has been reported growing on the surface, and will continue to develop during this fair weather period. The top 25 cm of snow remains low density thanks to cold temperatures, and sits above a thin rain crust in parts of the region. The lower snowpack has been reported to be well settled. A widespread crust that was buried in November can be found 40-80 cm deep. Cold temperatures have promoted facet growth around the crust, which could make the layer reactive in shallow start zones. Snowpack depths are 130-160 cm at treeline elevations.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Increasing wind speeds and light flurries will continue to develop wind slabs at higher elevations. Wind slabs are possible on any aspect, as winds have shifted from the south to the north.

Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 2

Valid until: Dec 9th, 2016 2:00PM