Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 14th, 2016 3:56PM

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

Avalanche Canada mbender, Avalanche Canada

The cold will stay for a few more days.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Thursday: Generally clear skies / Light to moderate northeast wind / Alpine temperature -13Friday: Sunny with cloudy periods / Light northeast wind / Alpine temperature -20 Saturday: Cloudy with isolated flurries / Light west wind / Alpine temperature of -14

Avalanche Summary

Most recent reports indicate avalanche activity to size 1 from steep wind loaded features in the alpine. One isolated report of size 2.5 avalanche from a steep windloaded pocket in the alpine on a south aspect.

Snowpack Summary

Continued cold temperatures are promoting surface faceting at all elevations. Surfaces are reported to be wind-affected in exposed areas well into treeline. Wind slabs exist in lee terrain at treeline and in the alpine. Areas sheltered from the wind may be developing a new surface hoar layer. The mid-november crust is buried down 100-180 cm and produces variable results in snowpack tests. Moderate results may be more likely in shallower snowpack areas, and deeper snowpack areas may be more likely to show no results on this layer. Professionals continue to monitor the crust for facet development that may provide a weak layer above a hard sliding surface in the future.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Wind slabs are reported to exist at treeline and in the alpine. Watch for conditions that change with aspect and elevation.
Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 15th, 2016 2:00PM