Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 3rd, 2016 3:46PM

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

swerner, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

We are currently unable to issue danger ratings for this region due to lack of information and data. It's important to make observations and assess avalanche hazard as you travel.

Summary

Confidence

Weather Forecast

Unsettled conditions continue on Sunday as another Pacific frontal system tracks eastward across the region. This will bring cloudy skies and snow accumulations 5-10 cm. Ridgetop winds will be strong from the west switching light from the northwest midday Sunday. Cold arctic air will influence the region Monday and Tuesday. Alpine temperatures will drop to -25 with light winds from the northeast.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche observations have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

Early season snowpack observations are still very limited in the region but the threshold for avalanches is expected to have been exceeded at treeline and in the alpine. Limited reports suggest snow surfaces at higher elevations are wind-affected. This suggests wind slabs should be on your radar at treeline elevations and in the alpine. Kananaskis Country to the north and Waterton to the south of the region is currently reporting 30-50 cm of snow overlying the mid-November crust layer. Conditions are likely similar in the South Rockies.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Watch for wind slabs at higher elevations and immediately below ridge crests. Cracking and whumphing are indicators of wind affected and potentially unstable snow.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Use caution in lee areas. Wind loading has created wind slabs.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 4th, 2016 2:00PM