Register
Get forecast notifications
Create an account to receive email notifications when forecasts are published.
Login
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 15th, 2013–Dec 16th, 2013
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Kootenay Boundary.

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.

Avalanche Problems

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

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