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Avalanche Forecast

Dec 9th, 2018–Dec 10th, 2018
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
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
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: Purcells.

Change is in the air, but alpine winds will be leading the charge in this week's series of storms.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Sunday night: Cloudy with scattered flurries bringing a trace to 3 cm of new snow. Light south winds, increasing to strong southwest in the alpine.Monday: Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries and a trace of new snow. Light to moderate southwest or west winds. Alpine high temperatures around -8.Tuesday: Cloudy with scattered flurries and 2-4 cm of new snow, increasing a bit overnight. Mainly light southwest winds, increasing to strong or even extreme in the alpine and increasing further overnight. Alpine high temperatures around -7Wednesday: A mix of sun and cloud with easing flurries and a trace of new snow. Strong northwest winds increasing to extreme in the alpine. Alpine high temperatures around -9.

Avalanche Summary

Several size 1.5 natural wind slab avalanches were reported from a steep south through southwest facing alpine feature on Friday.

Snowpack Summary

Recent moderate winds have created wind slabs in the alpine and isolated treeline areas.There are two layers of surface hoar (weak feathery crystals) being reported in the top 15-30cm. The surface hoar is most prominent at treeline, but it may be found in sheltered alpine areas. Both of these layers may be associated with a sun crust on south aspects in some areas.Another major feature in the snowpack is a combination of a crust and faceted (sugary) snow found at or near the base of the snowpack. This layer is most prominent in the alpine.The early season snowpack is highly variable in the Purcells. Total snowpack depths vary greatly throughout the region with anywhere between 70 and 150 cm in the alpine tapering rapidly at treeline and below. In shallow snowpack areas, the bottom half of the snowpack is reportedly weak and "hollow" feeling on shady aspects due to sugary, faceted snow.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong southwest winds and light snowfall are expected to form thin new wind slabs in the alpine over Sunday night and Monday.
Fresh wind slabs will likely form throughout the day, diligently watch for changing conditions.Watch for newly formed wind slabs around leeward slopes and features in wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5