Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 13th, 2016 4:12PM

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

Avalanche Canada mbender, Avalanche Canada

The arctic air will stick around to the end of the week at least...

Summary

Confidence

High - The weather pattern is stable

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: Sunny with cloudy periods / Light southeast wind / Alpine temperature of -13Thursday: Generally clear skies / Light to moderate northeast wind / Alpine temperature -13Friday: Sunny with cloudy periods / Light northeast wind / Alpine temperature -18 

Avalanche Summary

Recent reports indicate a few cornices in the alpine triggering windslabs on slopes below to size 2.5 on east and west aspects.

Snowpack Summary

In most areas there is 30-50 cm of recent low density storm snow that has stayed unconsolidated except where it has been transported into wind slabs. The surface snow has been facetting due to the cold temperatures, and some surface hoar has been developing in isolated areas. The mid-pack has been reported to be well settled above above a crust that was buried in mid-november. This crust may be buried less than a metre to close to 2 metres deep, depending on elevation and previous exposure to winds. Snowpack tests on the crust have shown variable results from sudden to no result. Professionals continue to monitor this crust and are watching for facet development above and below that may increase reactivity. The basal layers of the snowpack continue to be reported to be moist in some of the deeper snowpack areas of the region.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Wind slabs are reported to exist in the alpine. Watch for conditions that change with aspect and elevation.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.The recent snow may now be hiding windslabs that were easily visible before the snow fell.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 14th, 2016 2:00PM

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