Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 15th, 2015 4:00PM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Persistent Slabs.

Avalanche Canada Brian Webster, Avalanche Canada

Pay attention to the potential for well preserved buried surface hoar below treeline. Easy shears have been found on this interface.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A ridge of high pressure will persist through to Friday. Expect to see clearing skies, light NW winds, and cool temperatures. There should be little change to the danger rating or ski conditions over the next couple of days.

Snowpack Summary

In sheltered terrain between 1500m and 1850m, a 40-50cm soft slab sits over the large December 3rd surface hoar. This layer continues to produce whumphs and easy shears where it is present. No other significant shears have been observed. In the high alpine small,  isolated wind slabs may exist in some areas.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed in past 48 hours

Confidence

Problems

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

A 40 -50cm soft slab sits over the Dec 3 surface hoar in many sheltered location between 1500 m and 1850m. Continue to treat all steep open slopes below tree line with suspicion until you can rule out this weak layer.

  • Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.
  • Avoid open slopes and convex rolls at and below treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 16th, 2015 4:00PM