Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 7th, 2017 3:43PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Wet.

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

Purcells.

Seek the shade for the best and safest riding.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY: Sunny and warm above valley cloud. Light wind. Freezing level near 3300 m with a colder air layer in the valleys.SATURDAY: Sunny and warm above valley cloud. Light wind. Freezing level near 2800 m with a colder air layer in the valleys.SUNDAY: Cloudy. Light to moderate south-west winds. Freezing level near 3000 m. More details can be found on the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Avalanche Summary

On the whole, there has been little recent avalanche activity reported, but a natural avalanche cycle is expected on steep sunny slopes. A previous wind slab cycle has slowed down over the last few days.

Snowpack Summary

Intense warming will melt and weaken upper snowpack layers, particularly on steep sunny slopes. Warming also has the potential to wake up more deeply buried crust layers. Recently formed wind slabs are gaining strength, but may still be found in the lee of ridges and terrain breaks. Below treeline, the snowpack is shallow--look out for early season hazards like open creeks and tree stumps.

Problems

Loose Wet

Loose wet avalanches are likely in steep, rocky, sunny terrain. Warming could also wake up more deeply buried weak layers.

Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.Use caution above ledges and cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 8th, 2017 2:00PM