Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 10th, 2016 3:50PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
triley,
Avalanche Canada
Some thin new wind slabs may develop due to changing wind directions and forecast new snow.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Wind speed and direction is uncertain
Weather Forecast
Expect 2-3 cm of new snow overnight combined with moderate southwest winds and alpine temperatures around -15. Another 2-3 cm on Sunday with moderate westerly winds. Clear and cold on Monday with moderate northwest winds and alpine temperatures around -20. Clear and cold on Tuesday with light winds.
Avalanche Summary
Size 1.0 wind slabs were skier controlled on Saturday, these releases were 10cm deep. One size 2.0 wind slab was released by explosives, and one size 2.0 wind slab was skier controlled on Friday.
Snowpack Summary
Recent snow has formed wind slabs on northerly aspects in the alpine that are reactive to light additional loads like a single skier/rider. The cold temperatures and clear skies are developing near surface facets, and may be preserving surface hoar that was buried on the weekend. Alpine snow depths are around 120-170 cm, and the widespread mid-november crust is buried down around 70-90 cm. Snowpack and crust depths increase as you move west into the Selkirks. It sounds like there is a bit less snow on the ground in the south of the region, but we have not had many observations at this time. If you dig down to the crust, watch for facets developing above and below that may provide a hard surface with a weak sliding layer in the future. Please let us know what you find by posting to the MIN (Mountain Information Network).
Problems
Wind Slabs
Cold temperatures and variable winds have preserved pockets of wind slab in the alpine and at treeline. Some thin new wind slabs may develop due to forecast winds and light snow.
Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 11th, 2016 2:00PM
