Avalanche forecast

South Columbia

Dec 2, 2016Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Strong winds and new snow will require cautious route finding and conservative decision making throughout the weekend.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Strong winds and new snow will create fresh storm slabs that will be especially reactive in the alpine.

Confidence

Moderate - Timing of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY: Snow beginning around mid-day with 10-15 cm snow by Saturday. / Strong westerly winds / Freezing level around 1000 m. SATURDAY: Stormy with 5-10 cm snow / Moderate to strong westerly winds / Freezing level around 900 m. SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy / Moderate northwesterly winds / Freezing level valley bottom.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported in this region on Wednesday. However, observations are still limited.

Snowpack Summary

In the alpine,5-10 cm of new snow has buried old wind slabs. A couple observers have reported small surface hoar forming over the past couple days which is now buried by the new snow. This layer's distribution is not expected to be widespread, though where it does exist, will be especially reactive with the new snow that is expected on Friday and Saturday. The mid-November crust is now down 60-120 cm. This layer has been may become active as the snow load increases. Below the crust the snowpack is generally well settled. Snowpack depths vary greatly throughout the region with an average of 110-190 cm at treeline elevations. Early season hazards such as stumps, rocks, and open creeks remain the primary hazards below treeline.

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