Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 12th, 2016 3:57PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
mbender,
Avalanche Canada
If the wind picks-up, new reactive wind slabs may form
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Wind speed and direction is uncertain on Tuesday
Weather Forecast
Monday: Sunny with cloudy periods / Moderate northwest winds / Alpine temperature of -13Tuesday: Sunny with cloudy periods/ Light northwest winds / Alpine temperature of -11Wednesday: Mix of sun and cloud in the north of the region. The southern portion may see some light snowfall/ Light east winds / Alpine temperature of -12
Avalanche Summary
Size 1.5 wind slabs were skier-controlled in the Golden backcountry over the last few days in the alpine and at treeline. If the wind picks-up, new wind slab activity will likely occur, especially in areas where snow surfaces are loose and unconsolidated.
Snowpack Summary
Recent snow has formed wind slabs on northerly aspects in the alpine that are reactive to light additional loads like a single skier/rider. The cold temperatures and clear skies are developing near surface facets, and may be preserving surface hoar that was buried on the weekend. Alpine snow depths are around 120-170 cm, and the widespread mid-november crust is buried down around 70-90 cm. Snowpack and crust depths increase as you move west toward the Selkirks. It sounds like there is a bit less snow on the ground in the south of the region, but we have not had many observations at this time. If you dig down to the crust, watch for facets developing above and below that may provide a hard surface with a weak sliding layer in the future. Please let us know what you find by posting to the MIN (Mountain Information Network).
Problems
Wind Slabs
Reactive wind slabs are reported to exist at treeline and in the alpine. If the wind picks-up, new reactive wind slabs may form in unsuspecting locations. Watch for conditions that change with aspect and elevation.
Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 13th, 2016 2:00PM
