Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 10th, 2016 4:17PM

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

jsmith, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Generally safe avalanche conditions in most areas. If the winds pick up, thin wind slabs may form on lee features in the alpine.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Sunday: Cloudy with isolated flurries / Light southwesterly winds / High of -16 C.Monday: Mix of sun and cloud / Light northwesterly winds / High of -20 C.Tuesday: Sunny / Light northwesterly winds / High of -18 C.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche observations have been reported in this region.

Snowpack Summary

The cold temperatures will have promoted surface faceting, which probably means the top layer of snow is soft in most places. Treeline snow depths around Elkford are only around 60 cm. I suspect they are slightly higher in places like the Flathead, but generally conditions are lean. Threshold snow depths for avalanches have been exceeded in the alpine and at treeline, but not below treeline. In shallow areas, the snowpack is most likely facetted (sugary) throughout, and any crusts have probably broken down already. In deeper areas, you can probably find the mid-November crust buried under half a metre or so of snow. Early season hazards such as stumps, rocks, and open creeks are still a major concern.

Problems

Wind Slabs

If the winds increase and start to move snow around, thin wind slabs may form on the lee sides of ridges.

Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 11th, 2016 2:00PM