Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 13th, 2016 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Dry and Deep Persistent Slabs.
aaron beardmore,
Avalanche Canada
Field teams explored Mt. Field today. No major concerns with avalanche problems but the alders are VERY thick and undesirable in the main ski line.
Summary
Weather Forecast
More of the same cold, clear weather with little wind. The temperature is expected to dive to -30 on Friday.
Snowpack Summary
Today field teams recorded a 100cm snowpack at tree line on Mt. Field. The depth increases to about 150cm in alpine areas. The snowpack appears to be well bonded at upper elevations with no significant shears. The upper 50cm of the snowpack is faceting with recent cold temperatures.
Avalanche Summary
A few loose and dry avalanches were observed on Mt. Field today originating from steep rocky terrain up to size 1.
Confidence
Problems
Loose Dry
The surface snow is faceting rapidly and becoming weak, resulting in sluffs developing in steep and/or confined terrain. Be wary of your exposure above and below, and remember to ski off fall line to manage sluffs lurking behind you.
- On steep slopes, pull over periodically or cut into a new line to manage sluffing.
- Be aware of party members below you that may be exposed to your sluffs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
The Nov 12 crust has weak facets all around it and forecasters are monitoring closely. Although it's reactivity seems to have abated during the current cold snap, we expect it to awaken again with additional load and warmer temperatures.
- Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.
Aspects: North, North East, East.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 14th, 2016 4:00PM
