Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 6th, 2013 8:24AM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
ccampbell,
Avalanche Canada
This forecast is based on limited field observations. If you head into the mountains, please send a note to forecaster@avalanche.ca and let us know what you saw.
Summary
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.
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
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 7th, 2013 2:00PM
