Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 28th, 2015–Dec 29th, 2015

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

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

Regions: Sea To Sky.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.

Confidence

High

Weather Forecast

A ridge of high pressure has set up over the province and will bring mainly clear skies for the forecast period. Ridgetop winds should remain light while freezing levels should hover around valley bottom for all 3 days.

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday and Monday, size 1 soft wind slabs were ski cut in steep, unsupported terrain. The new avalanches formed in response to new snow and wind.

Snowpack Summary

Since Saturday, the region received 15-20cm of new low-density snow. At higher elevations, generally moderate southeasterly winds have redistributed much of that snow into soft wind slabs in exposed lee terrain. In the upper 70cm of the snowpack you may find a layer of weak surface hoar which was the culprit with a recent avalanche on an east aspect at treeline in the Fitzsimmons Range. Reports indicate this layer is spotty in its distribution, but may be something to watch as the overlying slab gets deeper and gains cohesion through settlement, storm loading and wind pressing.The mid and lower snowpack are generally considered to be strong and well-settled.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

New snow and moderate winds over the weekend have formed soft wind slabs in exposed lee terrain. Watch for triggering behind terrain breaks and over steep, unsupported rolls.

Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.>Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2