Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 19th, 2017 4:32PM

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

Avalanche Canada jfloyer, Avalanche Canada

A significant storm is expected to impact this region on Tuesday night and into Wednesday, resulting in high avalanche danger.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Wednesday

Weather Forecast

Tonight: 15-25 cm new snow expected, particularly on the eastern side of the range. Moderate easterly winds.Wednesday: a further 15-25 cm new snow expected, again favouring the eastern sides. Moderate northeasterly winds. Treeline temperatures around -9C.Thursday: Mostly dry during the day. Moderate northwesterly winds. Treeline temperatures around -10C.Friday: Light snow, 4-6 cm. Light easterly winds. Treeline temperatures around -12C.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanches are likely to occur on Wednesday in response to forecast heavy snow and strong winds.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 30 cm of recent snow has fallen in conjunction with variable winds. This new snow has fallen on a variety of surfaces including old crusts, wind-scoured surfaces and, in sheltered terrain at and below treeline, very large feathery surface hoar crystals. The two crusts that were buried near the end of November can be found lower in the snowpack. A third crust from the end of October exists near the base of the snowpack. Recent testing on this crust did not produce significant results.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Touchy storm slabs will develop as new snow continues to accumulate. Avalanches have the potential to run further than expected.
Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 20th, 2017 2:00PM