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Avalanche Forecast

Dec 4th, 2015–Dec 5th, 2015
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Regions: Purcells.

Conditions are variable as there has been more snow in the north and west. Spots with the most recent snow and/or strong winds will be most hazardous.

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

A series of storms is coming in quick succession over the next few days. Disagreement between weather forecast models is making it hard to pin down specifics, but you can expect snow, south to south-west winds and fluctuating freezing levels, peaking around 1800 m. Around 5-15 cm snow is expected each day. Locally heavier amounts are quite likely. For more details check out https://avalanche.ca/weather.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity has been reported.

Snowpack Summary

5-20 cm recent snow has fallen over a variety of old surfaces including wind-stripped north aspects, hard wind slabs, facets, sun crusts and/or large-sized surface hoar. Of most immediate concern is a crust/surface hoar interface that is already super-reactive. Reports suggest that the surface hoar exists up to about 2000 m and the crust maybe found on all aspects. I wouldn't rule out the possibility of weak interfaces at higher elevations, especially crusts. Strong southerly winds are transporting snow onto lee slopes and creating deep wind slabs. Deeper in the snowpack, surface hoar interfaces that were key players in November seem to be inactive. In the highest and shadiest spots, a crust/facet interface may be found near the ground.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Snow is building up over a very touchy weak layer and building storm slabs. Winds are also creating slabs on lee slopes.
Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Avoid open slopes and convex rolls at and below treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3