Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 16th, 2012 9:10AM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada triley, Avalanche Canada

If you get more than 20 cms of new snow and strong winds in your area, consider this Alpine danger rating to be a bit low.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Monday

Weather Forecast

Overnight and Monday: A Low pressure system is moving into the region from the coast on Sunday evening. This system is expected to bring 10-15 mm of precipitation by late Monday morning. With the cool alpine temperatures, this may be 20-25 cms of light snow at higher elevations. Moderate SW winds during the storm are expected to become strong NW after it passes to the East.Tuesday: No precipitation is expected. Alpine temperatures are expected to be -12.0 combined with strong westerly winds.Wednesday: Continued dry and cold in the morning with light winds. In the afternoon or evening the next system should move in from the coast.

Avalanche Summary

There have been no avalanches reported in the last couple of days.

Snowpack Summary

Some light new snow 5-10 cms combined with light winds has not consolidated into a slab. The new storm on Sunday night is expected to develop a storm slab on all aspects. Variable snowpack conditions exist across the sub-regions of the South Rockies. The West of the region resembles the Lizard range with a little less overall depth to the snow pack. As you move to the East the snowpack depths gradually become more shallow. Expect to find wind slabs that have developed over the past 4-5 days in all areas at higher elevations. There continues to be some discussion about the early November rain crust. You may be able to find this crust in areas that had snow on the ground when that rain event happened. However, the crust has not been active.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
The new storm is expected to develop a storm slab on all aspects. The forecast strong SW winds may transport storm snow into thick and touchy slabs on North thru East aspects.
The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.>Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>Stick to simple terrain and be aware of what is above you at all times.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Dec 17th, 2012 2:00PM

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