Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 9th, 2017 3:22PM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada mconlan, Avalanche Canada

Shady slopes offer the best snow, but watch out for new wind slabs that may have formed at higher elevations.

Summary

Confidence

High - The weather pattern is stable

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY OVERNIGHT: Cloudy with light precipitation in the north of the region, accumulation 0 to 3 mm across the region, moderate to strong southwesterly winds, freezing level around 2500 m.SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy, light to moderate southwesterly winds, freezing level around 3000 m with inversion conditions.MONDAY: Mostly sunny, moderate southwesterly winds, freezing level around 3700 m with inversion conditions.TUESDAY: Partly cloudy, light to moderate southerly winds, freezing level around 2200 m with inversion conditions.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed on Thursday or Friday.  Numerous small to large loose wet avalanches up to size 2 were observed on solar aspects on Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

Warm air temperatures and clear skies have created surface crusts on south-facing slopes at higher elevations. Moderate wind speeds from the south may have produced new localized wind slabs on northerly lee features.  Wind slabs are expected to be found in areas without surface crusts, where loose snow was available to be transported by the wind.  Surface hoar up to 10 mm and near-surface faceting have been noted at and near treeline in shady locations.  The snow from last week is settling and generally bonding well to the late-November rain crusts.  Cornices may be weakening with the continuing warm air temperatures.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Increased winds from the south may have produced new wind slabs, particularly behind ridges in alpine terrain. Be cautious of firm snow when entering lee features.
Avoid wind-loaded pockets near ridges.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 10th, 2017 2:00PM