Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 10th, 2012 8:58AM

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

ali haeri, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Conditions have changed from the past few days with moderate winds and new snow, choose your terrain accordingly.

Summary

Weather Forecast

2 systems cross the region over the next 2 days . An upper trough today brings milder temps and drops in wind at lower elevations. Mountain top winds to remain NW 60 to 80km/h. The second system arrives Wednesday bringing light precipitation.

Snowpack Summary

Lower density snow in the upper 30 to 45cm. This overlies a well settled mid pack. The Nov 6 Cr is down approx. 150cm. Mixed forms sz 1.0 were observed above the crust. Profile below Asulkan Hut, 1990m, W asp, 43deg, HS 185cm CTM (PC) down 25cm on df 2.0, DTH (B) down 150cm on mx 1.5 (nov 6 cr)

Avalanche Summary

5 Natural size 2.0 loose avalanches were observed yesterday morning in the north acing gullies of Mt Macdonald.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Tuesday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Overnight winds picked up to ideal transport values to form wind slab. Wind direction has varied from S-SW at treeline to W-NW it mountain top. Lee slopes lower down may not be the same up high.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Dry

With an additional 10-15cm of very light snow, sluffing is a concern where the wind has had no effect. Caution skiing in steep terrain and over terrain traps where sluffs will gain mass into avalanches.

Be aware of party members below you that may be exposed to your sluffs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 11th, 2012 8:00AM