Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 1st, 2013 8:12AM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada triley, Avalanche Canada

New snow and wind are increasing the avalanche danger. New storm slabs are developing that may be easy to trigger from light additional loads like skiers/riders.

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Overnight and Monday: 15-30 cm of snow overnight as the cold arctic air from the North meets the warm moist Pacific air crossing from the West. The South of the region may see more snow than the North. Snow ending by the afternoon, and then cooling temperatures and winds becoming Northeast.Tuesday: Cold and dry with light Northerly winds.Wednesday: Sunny, dry and cold.

Avalanche Summary

The new storm snow is expected to slide easily on the old surface weak layers. Expect easy triggering with light additional loads applied.

Snowpack Summary

Forecast new snow and strong Westerly winds are expected to develop a new storm slab above the existing shallow weak snowpack. The new storm slab may not bond well to the old surface weak layers of crusts, wind slabs, and surface hoar. We expect new storm snow amounts to vary across the region due to the fast moving nature of the system from West to East.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
New storm slabs are expected to be easy to trigger with light additional loads like skiers/riders. New snow depths may vary greatly by elevation, with deep pockets of wind transported snow in the alpine.
Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.>The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Dec 2nd, 2013 2:00PM