Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 26th, 2017 4:09PM

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

Avalanche Canada jlammers, Avalanche Canada

The intensity of incoming weather is uncertain. If significant precipitation arrives on Wednesday, danger ratings may be higher than posted.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Thursday

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: 3-5cm of new snow / Moderate westerly winds / Alpine temperature of about -10Thursday: 10-15cm of new snow / Light southerly winds / Alpine temperature of about -8Friday: 5-8cm of new snow / Light southerly winds / Alpine temperature of about -7

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported. Looking forward, snow and wind forecast for the next few days will likely promote a new round of storm slab activity.

Snowpack Summary

A light dusting of snow covers a medley of surfaces which include stubborn wind slabs and wind-scoured exposed crust in the alpine, and soft unconsolidated snow in sheltered areas at treeline and below. Up to 40cm below the surface you'll likely find a widespread melt-freeze crust that was buried on December 15th. Recent snowpack tests have ranged from no results, to moderate to hard resistant results on this layer.Beneath the December 15th layer lies at least 10 cm of sugary facets and the late November crust, which is now buried 70-100 cm with a thin layer of facets above. Beneath this crust the lower snowpack is well settled.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Hard and soft wind slabs exist on most aspects in the alpine and exposed treeline areas, and may still be reactive to light loads such as a skier or rider. Watch for new wind slab development with new snow and wind forecast for Wednesday.
Watch for stiff or hollow feeling snow, whumpfing, or shooting cracks.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Be alert to conditions that change throughout the day.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 27th, 2017 2:00PM

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