Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 3rd, 2020 8:10AM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Dry, Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
Mike Smallwood,
Natural activity has slowed since yesterdays temperature spike. Forecast freezing levels are lower today
Summary
Weather Forecast
A sunny start today above the valley cloud. Temperatures are inverted and above freezing already today in the alpine. Clouds moving in with cooling temps in the afternoon and tomorrow. A slight shift to mod SW wind and clear skies on Saturday with another rise in temperatures, freezing level over 3000m
Snowpack Summary
A surface crust formed at treeline and above overnight on solar aspects. Where sheltered surface hoar has formed to sz 3. Widespread surface hoar 5-10mm is dn 10cm over old windslabs in the alpine and exposed areas of treeline. In sheltered areas around TL there is another buried layer of surface hoar dn 40-60-cm. Nov 5th Cr is down over 1m
Avalanche Summary
Daytime warming and sun yesterday triggered numerous natural loose and slab avalanches around midday on solar aspects to sz 2.5 with a sz 3 in Mannix.
Confidence
Problems
Loose Dry
Warm temperatures and sun may continue to produce loose activity. This will be most likely on steep S-SW aspects with rocky terrain features although the temperature inversion is heating up non solar aspects as well
- While traveling at lower elevations, pay attention to overhead avalanche paths this afternoon!
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West, North West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Previous moderate-strong SW winds formed windslabs in open wind affected areas in the alpine and at treeline. In sheltered areas surface hoar is preserved below these wind slabs, dn 10cm and 50cm
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
Warm temperatures yesterday did not produce natural activity on this layer but it is still within the triggerable range for a skier or rider in shallow areas
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 4th, 2020 8:00AM
