Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 31st, 2015–Jan 1st, 2016

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

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: South Columbia.

Keep your wits about you as sun and above zero temperatures affect alpine slopes this weekend.

Confidence

High - Due to the number and quality of field observations

Weather Forecast

A dominant ridge of high pressure brings light northerly winds, sun and increasingly mild temperatures in the alpine. Below about 1700 m, expect valley cloud, flurries and cold temperatures. Alpine temperatures are expected to reach 0 degrees by Friday afternoon.For more details check out https://avalanche.ca/weather.

Avalanche Summary

Several small loose dry avalanches, small soft slab avalanches, and cornice releases have been reported over the last couple of days. Progressive warming in the alpine with ongoing sunny conditions could result in ongoing loose natural avalanches from south-facing slopes and by the weekend may create slab properties within the recent storm snow.

Snowpack Summary

20-40 cm of settling low density snow overlies a generally strong snowpack. You may encounter wind slabs which are sensitive to the weight of a person near ridge tops. Recent storm snow may sluff in steep terrain, especially with a touch of sun. The lower snowpack is reportedly well settled. The early December weak layer (about 80-150 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.

Avalanche Problems

Loose Dry

As the temperatures in the alpine continue to rise, the sun will pack more punch. Loose avalanche activity is expected to continue from steep, rocky, sun-exposed slopes. The volume of dry snow could push you around.

Be aware of party members below you that may be exposed to your sluffs. >Watch for clues, like sluffing off of cliffs, that the snowpack is warming up. >Minimize exposure to steep sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong. >

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may still be lurking behind ridges and ribs. Winds have recently changed directions so the problem could exist on either side of a ridge.

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.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3