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Avalanche Forecast

Dec 7th, 2016–Dec 8th, 2016
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Purcells.

Continued cold weather with little new snow expected. Watch for pockets of wind slab at higher elevations.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Clear and cold overnight with light northeast winds, alpine low temperatures around -20. Clear and cold on Thursday with light easterly winds. Cloud developing Thursday evening as the winds become moderate from the southwest. Light snow or flurries on Friday with alpine temperatures around -15 combined with moderate southwest winds. Overcast on Saturday with light westerly winds and a chance of light snow.

Avalanche Summary

Some small soft cornice releases were reported to the west in the Selkirks, and a few small size 1.0 explosive released avalanches were reported from the north of this region.

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 into 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).

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Cold temperatures and variable winds have preserved pockets of wind slab in the alpine.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2