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Avalanche Forecast

Dec 6th, 2016–Dec 7th, 2016
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Sea To Sky.

Hard wind slabs exist at higher elevations, so the best and safest riding is likely in sheltered terrain.

Confidence

Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light winds, alpine temperatures at -12.THURSDAY: Scattered flurries with accumulations of 5 cm, 30-50 km/h south winds, alpine temperatures at -12.FRIDAY: 15-25 cm, 20-30 km/h southwest winds, alpine temperatures at -8.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported on Monday or Tuesday and explosive cornice control did not trigger any avalanches on the slopes below. However, wind slabs may remain reactive to human-triggering in isolated wind loaded areas in the alpine and at treeline.

Snowpack Summary

Surface conditions are highly variable throughout the region. Strong winds over the weekend formed hard and stubborn wind slabs on lee features, and scoured windward features. With winds shifting to the northeast, new soft wind slabs may be forming on south and west aspects. 10-20 cm of low density snow exists in sheltered areas and offers the best riding. Surface snow has begun to facet with the cold air temperatures, and will likely create a weak interface when the next storm arrives. The mid-pack is generally strong, with a widespread mid-November crust buried 70-100 cm at treeline and anywhere from 30-200 cm deep in alpine terrain. Snowpack and explosive tests have shown the crust to be unreactive, but it could remain a problem in shallow alpine start zones.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong winds over the weekend formed variable surface conditions at high elevations, including hard wind slabs on lee features. With a recent shift to northerly winds, wind slabs are possible on any aspect.
Be aware of the potential for wide propagations due to the presence of hard windslabs.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Minimize exposure to overhead hazard from cornices.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2