Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 25th, 2015 3:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada rbuhler, Avalanche Canada

New wind slabs are expected to form this weekend as a weak storm progresses. Continually assess local conditions as you travel and use extra caution as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Summary

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

Mostly cloudy conditions are expected on Saturday as a storm system approaches the region. Light intermittent snowfall is possible during the day with alpine winds increasing to moderate to strong from the SW. Treeline temperatures are expected to be around -15C during the day. The main part of the storm is expected to affect the region Saturday night and Sunday. 10-15cm of snowfall is possible for the snowy parts of the region. Alpine winds are expected to remain moderate to strong from the SW and treeline temperatures will climb to around -10C. Unsettled conditions are expected on Monday as the remnants of the storm are pushed out by a ridge of high pressure.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported since Monday.

Snowpack Summary

20-40cm of low-density snow overlies soft wind slabs which formed last weekend. The few observations we have received suggest a good bond within the storm layers in the upper snowpack. New wind slabs are expected to form this weekend as winds increase with the approaching storm. Between 80 and 130cm below the surface you'll likely find a weak layer of well-developed surface hoar which was buried in early December. This layer is most widespread at lower elevations (between 1100m and 1700m.) Snow pit tests suggest that human triggering of this interface has become less likely. That said, if it does fail the overlying slab is stiff enough to propagate over a wide distance. Below this layer, the snowpack is thought to be generally strong and well-settled.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
New wind slabs may form in leeward features at ridge crest as SW winds increase on Saturday. 
Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain. >

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 26th, 2015 2:00PM

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