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Avalanche Forecast

Dec 27th, 2013–Dec 28th, 2013
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: South Columbia.

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Sunday

Weather Forecast

Saturday:Mainly dry with broken skies, winds moderate to strong from the northwest and alpine temperatures -7.Sunday:Another series of weather systems starts to affect the interior. Light snowfall, alpine temperatures -9, winds light to moderate from the northwest.Monday: Light snowfall, alpine temperatures -8, winds light west.

Avalanche Summary

A few avalanches to size 1.5 have been reported in the last 2 days. These are isolated to the most recent storm snow.

Snowpack Summary

Moderate to strong west and southwesterly winds have built new wind slabs in alpine and treeline lees. 20-40 cm of new snow sits on a weak layer consisting of surface hoar crystals, stellar crystals and/or crust. Around 60-80 cm below the snow surface, the early December surface hoar, facetted snow, and/or a crust interface sits and has been reportedly more stubborn to rider triggers. The late-November persistent weak layer consists of a sun crust on steep south facing slopes and surface hoar in sheltered areas. It is now buried 70-90cm below the surface. Snowpack tests vary on this interface with some results producing "sudden" shears and others producing no results. This interface is generally considered to be dormant. However, professional operators are keeping a close eye on it.A weak layer of facets sitting on a crust that formed in October, sits near the base of the snowpack. This layer is predominantly found on north-facing alpine slopes with smooth ground cover. Triggering this weakness is unlikely, however if triggered the resulting avalanche would potentially be a large event with high consequences.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent westerly winds have created windslabs in the lee of terrain features.
Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.>Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 3 - 5