Avalanche forecast

South Rockies

Dec 7 – 8, 2012Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–4
    Significant snowfall and winds from earlier in the week have created new wind slabs. Watch for triggering in gullies, below ridgecrests and behind terrain features

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–5
    We have not heard of any new releases on this early season rain crust; however, an avalanche at this interface could be surprisingly large and destructive.

Confidence

Poor - Due to limited field observations

Weather Forecast

Overnight and Saturday: Light to locally moderate snowfall on Friday night with clearing on Saturday / moderate northwest winds becoming light and northwest with clearing / Freezing level at surfaceSunday: Light snowfall / moderate northwest winds with extreme gusts / Freezing level at surfaceMonday: Light snowfall / moderate southwest winds / Freezing level at surface

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche observations.

Snowpack Summary

Recent storm accumulations have been highly variable throughout the region; however, some ares saw significant snowfall earlier in the week. In general, winds have been moderate to strong creating widespread windslabs at higher elevations, although I suspect that in recent days they may have gained some strength. In some areas the most recent accumulations may sit over a rain crust that extends up to 2000m. There have been reports of buried surface hoar up to a metre down. This layer, which was buried at the end of November, seems most prevalent on the west side of the region. Little is known about its current reactivity.At the base of the snowpack you may find the early November crust which is associated with a layer of facets either directly above or below. Recent tests have shown sudden results at this interface.In general, snowpack data is sparse in this region and significant variations likely exist from one drainage to another. Digging down and making your own observations will be critical to safe slope selection. Any observations from the field are welcome at [email protected].

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