Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 6th, 2013–Dec 7th, 2013

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

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

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Northwest Inland.

This forecast is based on limited field observations. If you head into the mountains, please send a note to [email protected] and let us know what you saw.

Confidence

Poor - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Saturday: Partly cloudy with light flurries possible, moderate to strong outflow winds in valley bottoms and moderate northeasterly alpine winds. Treeline temperatures expected to be around -15. Sunday: Partly cloudy but dry with moderate northertly alpine winds. Above freezing temperatures possible between 1500m and 2000m. Monday: Partly cloudy but dry with moderate northertly alpine winds and slightly warmer temperatures.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported, but reports are limited.

Snowpack Summary

Snowpack depths are likely highly variable across the region, with elevation, and in wind-exposed areas. Low-elevation and wind-affected areas likely have a shallow faceted snowpack. While in higher elevation sheltered areas the recent storm snow is likely settling and gaining strength; however, weaknesses at the old snow interface down approximately 40cm may still need time to heal. In the Ashman Ridge area on Sunday, this interface gave easy compression test results. Northerly outflow winds are likely forming fresh wind slabs in exposed lee terrain and scouring windward terrain. Average snowpack depths near treeline are highly variable, but around a metre in sheltered areas.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Outflow winds are reverse-loading and cross-loading exposed slopes forming fresh and touchy wind slabs below ridge crests and behind terrain features. Don't let wind slabs in unusual places catch you by surprise.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>Avoid traveling in areas that have been reverse-loaded or cross-loaded by winds.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 4