Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 15th, 2014 8:26AM

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

Avalanche Canada rbuhler, Avalanche Canada

Stability has improved but there are still avalanche problems out there. If you see anything interesting, please submit an observation using our new website tool. For more details see: http://goo.gl/Tj0xPC

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

High pressure persists over the interior for the forecast period.  A weak disturbance will result in increased cloud cover for Tuesday.  Treeline temperatures will be around -6 and alpine winds should remain light.  The south of the region may see light scattered flurries but less than 1 cm is expected.  Wednesday and Thursday should see a mix of sun and cloud, treeline temperatures around -5, and light alpine winds.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported at publish time on Monday. On Sunday, explosive control produced avalanches to size 2.5.  These occurred on N-SE aspects between 2200 and 2500m elevation.  Slab depth varied from 30 to 90cm. On Saturday, isolated natural activity was reported up to size 2.5 above 2400m.

Snowpack Summary

A surface crust exists to around 2100m and is generally supportive to skiers. Above this elevation is dry storm snow which is settling out and faceting.  A new layer of surface hoar is currently forming on the snow surface.  In exposed alpine terrain, strong southerly winds last week may have resulted in variable distribution of the surface snow and the formation of wind slabs. A thick rain crust with facets from early November is buried over 1 m down. Snowpack tests on this deep weak layers are showing improving results, but in some locations these layers are still reactive and has the potential to release large slab avalanches.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Strong southerly winds last week created wind slabs in the alpine. Triggering these slabs has become more stubborn but they remain a concern, especially in steep, unsupported terrain.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs
The likelihood of triggering a persistent slab has decreased but the consequences remain very high.  Be wary of any slopes that did not release during the storms.
Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

2 - 5

Valid until: Dec 16th, 2014 2:00PM