Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 28th, 2012 9:06AM

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

Avalanche Canada mbender, Avalanche Canada

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Saturday: Isolated flurries in the early part of the day with partially sunny breaks in the afternoon. Winds will be light from the northwest. Alpine temperatures will be near -6.Sunday: A weak ridge of high pressure should bring dry conditions with light north winds and alpine temperatures near -6.Monday: High pressure will continue to influence the region giving mostly sunny conditions, light west winds and alpine temperatures near -6.

Avalanche Summary

Recent avalanche activity in the region has been limited to loose snow avalanches running in steep terrain and a few isolated slab releases to size 2 from steep rocky terrain in the alpine. Glide cracks are continuing to open wider. The potential for subsequent largely unpredictable full-depth avalanches are a concern.

Snowpack Summary

In sheltered open areas at tree line and below there is newly formed surface hoar now buried by 10-20cm of low density snow. This surface hoar may be sitting on a thin sun crust on steep southerly facing slopes. The mid-pack is reported to be settling well. Recent reports indicate late November surface hoar (near the middle of the snowpack) and early November crust (near the base of the snowpack) have been inactive. It's important to note that professionals are still cautious about these lingering persistent slab problems, however the likelihood of triggering is low. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack, where triggering a persistent weakness is more likely.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Watch for newly formed and buried wind slabs in the lee of terrain features. lee
Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>Stay well to the windward side of corniced ridges.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Dry

An icon showing Loose Dry
Expect the unconsolidated surface snow to sluff in steep terrain.
Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.>On steep slopes, pull over periodically or cut into a new line to manage sluffing.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 29th, 2012 2:00PM