Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 23rd, 2015 8:11AM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

South Columbia.

Low Danger does not mean No Danger. Make observations continually as you travel.

Summary

Confidence

High

Weather Forecast

Expect mainly a mix of sun and cloud for the forecast period, although clear skies may develop for Christmas day. Ridgetop winds should remain mainly light. Alpine temperatures should measure about -15 on Thursday, and then drop to about -20 on Friday and Saturday.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

At higher elevations, 10-50cm of low-density snow overlies generally stubborn wind slabs which formed last weekend. The reports we've received suggest a good bond within the storm layers in the upper snowpack. I'd still remain cautious in upper elevation lee terrain where these buried wind slabs may still be sensitive to human triggering. Between 80 and 130cm below the surface you'll likely find a weak layer surface hoar which was buried in early December. This layer is most widespread at lower elevations (between 1400m and 1800m.) Field reports indicate triggering this layer has become unlikely. That said, if it does fail the overlying slab is stiff enough to propagate over a wide distance. Below this layer, the snowpack is thought to be generally strong and well-settled.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Low-density powder may be hiding wind slabs which formed during stormy weather last weekend. They may have gained considerable strength, but I'd remain cautious on high-elevation lee slopes. Loose dry avalanches are also possible in steep terrain.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.>The recent snow may now be hiding windslabs that were easily visible before the snow fell.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 24th, 2015 2:00PM