Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 12th, 2016 3:59PM

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

Avalanche Canada mbender, Avalanche Canada

If the wind picks-up, new reactive wind slabs may form

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Wind speed and direction is uncertain on Tuesday

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: Sunny with cloudy periods / Light to moderate northwest wind / Alpine temperature of -14 Wednesday: Sunny with cloudy periods / Light west wind / Alpine temperature of -12Thursday: Generally clear skies / Light to moderate northerly wind / Alpine temperature -11  

Avalanche Summary

There have been no new reports of avalanche activity. If the wind picks-up, new wind slab activity may occur, especially in areas where snow surfaces are loose and unconsolidated.

Snowpack Summary

Continued cold temperatures are promoting surface faceting at all elevations. Surfaces are reported to be wind-affected in exposed areas, and wind slabs exist in lee terrain at treeline and in the alpine. Areas sheltered from the wind may be developing a new surface hoar layer. The mid-november crust is buried down 100-180 cm and produces variable results in snowpack tests. Moderate results may be more likely in shallower snowpack areas, and deeper snowpack areas may be more likely to show no results on this layer. Professionals continue to monitor the crust for facet development that may provide a weak layer above a hard sliding surface in the future.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Wind slabs are reported to exist at treeline and in the alpine. If the wind picks-up from the north, new reactive wind slabs may form in unsuspecting locations. Watch for conditions that change with aspect and elevation.
Avoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 13th, 2016 2:00PM

Login