Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 17th, 2012 8:22AM

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

Avalanche Canada triley, Avalanche Canada

Continued snow combined with Strong Southwest winds overnight are expected to cause widespread avalanche activity.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Wednesday

Weather Forecast

Overnight and Tuesday: The Low pressure system is forecast to move out of the region this evening. However, the system arrived later than expected and appears to be slower moving than forecast. Expect another 5-10 mm of precipitation that may be as much as another 20 cms of snow at higher elevations. Strong Southwesterly winds should slow down to moderate Westerly as the Low exits to the East. Flurries are expected to continue during the day on Tuesday without much accumulation.Wednesday: A weak upper ridge should move into the Southern Interior by Tuesday evening and continue to provide dry conditions on Wednesday. Light Westerly winds should become strong Southwesterly as the next system moves in from the Coast during the evening or overnight.Thursday: Strong Southwest winds and heavy precipitation are forecast. Timing is uncertain.

Avalanche Summary

No new reports due to poor visibility and travel conditions. Expect widespread soft slab releases on all aspects and elevations.

Snowpack Summary

The light new storm snow over the past few days arrived with very light winds. Strong Southwest winds started to transport that new snow into wind slabs on Monday afternoon. Storm slabs are expected to be found at all elevations, and should be very easy to trigger.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
The new storm is expected to develop a storm slab on all aspects. The forecast strong SW winds may transport storm snow into thick and touchy slabs on North thru East aspects.
Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.>The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 5

Valid until: Dec 18th, 2012 2:00PM