Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 15th, 2013 8:13AM

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

Avalanche Canada jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Wind speed and direction is uncertain on Monday

Weather Forecast

Monday: Light snowfall / Moderate westerly winds (with extreme gusts) / Freezing level at 800mTuesday: Light snowfall / Moderate southwesterly winds (with extreme gusts) / Freezing level at 800mWednesday: Possible clearing / Light winds / Freezing level at 700m

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches have been reported in the last few days.

Snowpack Summary

In general, snowpack depths are below seasonal average any many slopes below treeline are reported to be below threshold for avalanche activity. Deeper snowpacks may exist to the north of the region.Dribs and drabs of recent snowfall overlie weak faceted crystals, small surface hoar or older hard windslabs in exposed high elevation terrain. These modest accumulations may have been shifted into small pockets of windslab in areas where winds have been stronger.Between 35 and 50cm below the surface you may find a weak layer of surface hoar on sheltered slopes and a melt-freeze crust on steep solar aspects. Most reports indicate this layer is "stubborn" to trigger, or there may not be a deep enough overlying slab to create a significant hazard. That said, I'd remain curious about this interface, especially as the snow load increases.There are reports of a deeply buried early season crust which may have associated facets. This layer is more likely to be found in the high alpine on northerly aspects. Little is known about its reactivity in this region.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Strong westerly winds on Monday may shift loose surface snow into pockets of windslab at higher elevations. Older windslabs also exist under a thin veil of snow on west/southwest facing terrain.
Avoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.>The recent snow may now be hiding windslabs that were easily visible before the snow fell.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs
A weak interface buried at the end of November is now buried by up to 50cm of snow. This layer may see increased reactivity with more snowfall.
Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.>Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Dec 16th, 2013 2:00PM