Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 2nd, 2015 8:41AM

The alpine rating is below threshold, the treeline rating is below threshold, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada swerner, Avalanche Canada

Strong winds, new snow and rising freezing levels are the players affecting the snowpack. Watch for new slab development and sluffing from steeper terrain. Give info, get info! Check out the Mountain Information Network.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A series of Pacific storms will take aim at the coastal regions bringing strong winds, warmer temperatures and heavy precipitation. The Interior interior will receive lighter amounts of precipitation (10-20 cm) on Thursday. Freezing levels will rise to near or slightly above 1600 m across the Kootenay Boundary, Lizard and South Rockies region. Friday will be slightly cooler and dryer before the next system reaches us on Saturday bringing snow amounts 10-25 cm, strong SW winds and rising freezing levels to 1800 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported. This may speak to the lack of observations rather than actual conditions. With new snow and strong winds forecast the avalanche danger will likely be on the rise. I'd suspect loose dry avalanches especially from steeper terrain, and storm slab developments at upper elevations.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 10 cm of new low density snow has buried old snow surfaces which comprise of stubborn wind slabs, crusts well defined at upper elevations especially on southerly aspects, loose faceted snow and surface hoar in sheltered areas. The new snow likely has a poor bond to the old snow. In some parts of the region a thick hard crust is reported to exist between 15 and 25cm below the surface. For the time being, this hard crust is likely adding significant strength to the snowpack. That said, the combination of facets and surface hoar overlying a hard crust could become a reactive weak layer when it gets buried by new snow, and new snow it’s on its way. There is also a thick crust from early-November in the middle of the snowpack. The limited reports we have received suggest that this crust is well bonded but you should investigate the snowpack in your local area before committing yourself to avalanche terrain.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Snow amounts seem to vary region wide. If 15 cm plus falls in your local riding areas, storm slab avalanches are likely. Wind slabs may also be found on northerly slopes.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain. >If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information. >

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 3rd, 2015 2:00PM