Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 24th, 2012–Dec 25th, 2012

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

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: Sea To Sky.

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Tuesday

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: Moderate to strong SE winds. Alpine temp -8. Light snow.Wednesday: Light SW winds. Alpine temp -8. A few cm snow.Thursday: Light SW winds. Alpine temp -7. No precipitation.

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday, several size 1-1.5 wind slabs were triggered by explosives and skiers. One size 2 slab was triggered in a steep high alpine start zone.

Snowpack Summary

Over a metre of snow has fallen this week with strong SE winds, which has created wind slabs in alpine and open treeline terrain. New cornices exist. In sheltered areas below treeline, very deep loose snow has built up. Three surface hoar layers in the upper/mid snowpack appear to be gaining strength. In general, the mid-pack is strong.Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer has become unlikely to be triggered. However, professionals are still mindful of thin snowpack trigger areas or large loads which could wake it up again, leading to a very large avalanche.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Winds have shifted available snow into slabs behind ridges and ribs. These could be triggered by the weight of a person or snowmobile.

Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.>Stay well to the windward side of corniced ridges.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Loose Dry

The volume of loose dry snow could knock you over or carry you into a terrain trap. Be cautious in any steep terrain.

On steep slopes, pull over periodically or cut into a new line to manage sluffing.>Be aware of party members below you that may be exposed to your sluffs.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4