Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 6th, 2019 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
MBender,
Avalanche Canada
Storm snow continues to accumulate. Areas in the north of the region may receive higher amounts of snowfall Friday night through Saturday. If local overnight storm snow are 20 cm or greater then avalanche danger may be High.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
Friday Night: Snow, 5-15 cm, alpine temperature -1 C, moderate southwest wind.
Saturday: Flurries, 5-10 cm, alpine temperature -4, moderate southwest wind.
Sunday: Sunny with cloudy periods, alpine temperature -10, moderate north wind.
Monday: Sunny with cloudy periods, alpine temperature -8, moderate north wind.
Avalanche Summary
Recent reports indicate skier triggered and natural storm slab avalanches to size 2, and cracking on small, supported slopes. On Thursday there were reports of a few explosives triggered size 2.5-3 storm slab avalanches on southeast aspects in the alpine. There were also a few reports persistent slab avalanches failing on a layer of surface hoar (down 60-80 cm) at treeline elevations. Expect to see an increase in storm and persistent slab avalanches as the new snow continues to accumulate through Friday night and Saturday.
Snowpack Summary
20-30cm of new snow falling over the past 36 hours has added to the 30-50 cm of storm snow from early in the week. All this new snow has covered a thick layer of faceted crystals, previously wind-affected surfaces, and/or surface hoar in sheltered areas around treeline and below.
A layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) may be found in sheltered areas around treeline down 60-100 cm. In some areas this may sitting on a thin crust.
A variety of crusts from late October are buried deeper in the snowpack. Total snow depths range from 120-150 cm around tree line.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm slabs will develop through Friday night and Saturday as snowfall accumulates.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
A surface hoar/crust layer down 50-80 cm has become reactive with the recent storm snow. This layer is most likely found in sheltered openings around treeline and below.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 7th, 2019 5:00PM
