Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 1st, 2016 4:13PM

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

swerner, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Due to the lack of snowpack and avalanche data, we are currently unable to issue danger ratings for this region. If you're in the mountains, please consider contributing to the Mountain Information Network.

Summary

Confidence

Weather Forecast

The Pacific low continues to intensify off the coast bringing some precipitation and strong winds to the Interior regions. The surface low sitting east of the Rockies will drive unsettled conditions bringing continued snow and wind Sunday and Monday.Friday: Cloudy, freezing levels valley bottom, snow amounts 2-5 cm, ridgetop winds strong from the west.Saturday: Cloudy, freezing levels valley bottom, snow amounts 5-10 cm, ridgetop winds strong from the west.Sunday: Some model disagreement bringing unsettled conditions. Snow amounts 5-10 cm with moderate - strong winds from the northwest.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche observations have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

Early season snowpack observations are still very limited in the region but the threshold for avalanches is expected to have been exceeded at treeline and in the alpine. Limited reports suggest snow surfaces at higher elevations are wind-affected. This suggests wind slabs should be on your radar as you gain elevation. Kananaskis Country to the north of the region is currently reporting that 30-40 cm of snow is now overlying the mid-November crust layer. Conditions are likely similar in the South Rockies.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Watch for wind slabs at higher elevations and immediately below ridge crests. Cracking and whumphing are indicators of wind affected snow.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Use caution in lee areas. Wind loading has created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 2nd, 2016 2:00PM