Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 16th, 2011–Dec 17th, 2011

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Kootenay Boundary.

Confidence

Fair - Freezing levels are uncertain

Weather Forecast

Sat: No new snow expected. Freezing level around 1700 m, although a weak inversion may give warmer alpine temperatures. Moderate SW winds.Sun: Flurries early in the morning giving way to clear skies. Cooler alpine temperatures. Moderate to strong SW winds at ridgetop.Mon: Dry and warm with freezing levels rising to around 2000 m.

Avalanche Summary

There have been no recent reports of avalanches.

Snowpack Summary

Large surface hoar and faceted powder on sheltered shady slopes, and a surface crust on sun-exposed slopes, is now lightly buried in most locations. At present this near-surface layer poses little hazard except in very specific areas where wind slabs have developed above it. However, looking ahead, once this weak layer becomes buried by around 40 cm of sufficiently cohesive snow, a highly unstable situation will develop. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong, but faceted. Recent easy test results on basal facets and depth hoar necessitates caution on wind-exposed slopes with highly variable snowpack depths, where this deep persistent weakness could be triggered from a shallow spot. Check out the Forecaster's Blog link below for more general snowpack discussion and good advice.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Fresh soft wind slabs may have developed below ridge crests and behind terrain features.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Wet

Warm temperatures and solar activity will promote loose snow activity on steep south facing terrain.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2