Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 26th, 2015–Dec 27th, 2015

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

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: Sea To Sky.

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain for Saturday night. Pay close attention to how much snow fell in your area, and choose terrain accordingly.

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

On Sunday, expect up to 10cm of new snow and strong southwest winds. A gradual clearing trend is forecast for Monday and Tuesday as a dry ridge of high pressure develops over the region. Winds associated with the ridge should be generally light and northeasterly. Freezing levels are expected to hover around valley bottom for all 3 days.

Avalanche Summary

A round of wind slab avalanche activity is expected in response to new snow and wind on Saturday night. Cornices may also continue to grow, increasing their likelihood of failure.

Snowpack Summary

By Sunday afternoon the region can expect to see up to 20cm of new snow. Forecast strong southwest winds will have redistributed much of that snow into new wind slabs in exposed lee terrain. In the upper 70cm of the snowpack you may find a layer of weak surface hoar which was the culprit with a recent avalanche on an east aspect at treeline in the Fitzsimmons Range. Although not much is known about its distribution, this layer may be something to watch as the overlying slab gets deeper and gains cohesion through storm loading and wind pressing.The mid and lower snowpack are generally considered to be strong and well-settled.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

New snow and strong winds are expected to form new wind slabs in exposed lee terrain. Watch for triggering in the lee of ridge crests and in gullies.

Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.>Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3