Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 9th, 2016–Dec 10th, 2016

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

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: South Columbia.

Continued cold weather with little new snow expected. Watch for pockets of wind slab at higher elevations.

Confidence

Moderate - Wind effect is extremely variable

Weather Forecast

Overcast with light to moderate southwest winds and 3-5 cm of new snow overnight. Light snow combined with moderate northwest winds on Saturday. Another 3-5 cm on Sunday as the winds become more westerly. Clear and cold on Monday as the arctic air strengthens after the weekend weather moves to the east.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported from this region.

Snowpack Summary

The recent storm snow is settling slowly due to the cold temperatures. Variable wind effect has created wind slabs in the alpine in some areas, and others report little or no wind resulting in loose unconsolidated snow. The depth of the mid-november crust is also variable across the region. Reports have the crust down between 100-200 cm and snowpack tests have produced a wide array of results from moderate sudden planar to hard resistant planar, and in some cases no result. Watch for near surface facets developing in the upper snowpack that may develop a poor bonding layer before the next storm. If you dig down to the crust, watch for facets developing above and/or below that may provide a weak layer above a smooth sliding surface in the future.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Changing wind directions may develop new wind slabs on various aspects at higher elevations over the next few days. Wind slabs are expected to continue to be reactive to light additional loads in isolated terrain features.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2