Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 27th, 2015 8:13AM

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

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

South Columbia.

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Summary

Confidence

High

Weather Forecast

A few more centimetres of snow are expected on Monday, before a shift to a cool, dry spell. Expect light northerly winds and a mix of sun and cloud on Tuesday and Wednesday.For more details check out http://www.avalanche.ca/weather.

Avalanche Summary

A few size 1-1.5 loose dry avalanches have been reported over the last few days.

Snowpack Summary

In general, dry new snow overlies a strong snowpack. You may encounter wind slabs near ridge tops which are sensitive to the weight of a person. As winds shift from south-westerly to northerly, be alert to the possibility of wind slabs on all aspects. Down about 70-100 cm in some areas, a thin crust/facet layer is generally giving hard, resistant results in snowpack tests.The lower snowpack is reportedly well settled. The early December weak layer (about 130-150 cm down) is spotty in distribution, but where it does exist, still gives hard, sudden results, meaning it is unlikely to be triggered, but could produce a very large avalanche.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Soft wind slabs may be triggered by the weight of a person on slopes lee to recent SW winds.

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

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 28th, 2015 2:00PM