Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 9th, 2016 3:30PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs.
shorton,
Avalanche Canada
Heavy snowfall this weekend will create very dangerous avalanche conditions.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain
Weather Forecast
SATURDAY: 15-30 cm of new snow, 20-40 km/h southwest winds, treeline temperatures -2.SUNDAY: 5-10 cm of new snow, light west winds, treeline temperatures -2.MONDAY: Sun and cloud, light northwest winds, treeline temperatures -5.
Avalanche Summary
On Thursday, avalanche activity was limited to minor sluffing in steep terrain. With heavy snowfall and strong winds in the forecast, widespread storm slab activity can be expected for the weekend.
Snowpack Summary
Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain, but expect 20-40 cm of fresh snow by Saturday afternoon. The new snow is falling on a variable surface that includes settled snow on southerly aspects, loose snow on shaded aspects, isolated pockets of surface hoar, and sun crusts on steep solar aspects. Overall the incoming snow will likely bond poorly to this interface. The thickest and most touchy storm slabs can be expected on north-facing wind-loaded features. A rain crust exists 30-50 cm deep, and recent reports suggest the storm snow may still be poorly bonded to the crust on shady north aspects. Below the crust, the snowpack is settled and strong. Total snowpack depths are 160-200 cm at treeline.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Fresh storm slabs will build throughout the weekend. Storm snow is falling on weak and unsettled snow, which will make the storm slabs very reactive to human triggers.
If triggered the storm slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 10th, 2016 2:00PM
