Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 10th, 2011 8:52AM

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

Avalanche Canada mpeter, Avalanche Canada

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to limited field observations

Weather Forecast

Sunday: Expect clearing skies, with light winds and temperatures reaching -10. Monday: Mostly clear, with winds turning westerly but remaining light. Freezing levels could reach 1200m. Tuesday: Expect clouds to build and light flurries to begin late in the day under southwesterly winds.

Avalanche Summary

Isolated reports of small solar triggered sluffs on south facing slopes at treeline and in the alpine.

Snowpack Summary

The Surface Hoar continues to grow due to the clear and cold nights and the cold temperatures are also promoting near surface facetting. Expect to find a sun-crust that has formed in the alpine on south through west aspects. Wind slabs persist in the alpine and in large openings at treeline. Some areas have a rain-crust below treeline from the 28th of November that has been buried by about 20 cms of snow. This rain-crust may be developing facets, and could become a layer of interest after it is buried by more of a load. There is still some concern associated with the November 7 surface hoar layer. This layer is buried 100-150 cms. Tests are showing that this layer is getting harder to trigger, but if an avalanche does release on this layer, it is likely to be large and destructive.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Hard windslabs linger in lee locations.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs
Difficult to trigger, but with high consequences. Weaker thin spots on convexities or around protruding rocks/clumps of small trees may be likely trigger locations.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Valid until: Dec 11th, 2011 8:00AM