Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 8th, 2017 4:07PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Wet.

mconlan, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

Warm alpine air is the continuing trend. Be cautious on steep slopes if the snow feels moist or wet.

Summary

Confidence

High - The weather pattern is stable

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY: Sunny with cloudy periods and valley clouds, light westerly winds, freezing level around 3400 m with below-freezing temperatures in the valleys.SUNDAY: Partly cloudy and valley clouds, light westerly winds, freezing level around 3000 m with below-freezing temperatures in the valleys.MONDAY: Mostly sunny and valley clouds, light westerly winds, freezing level around 3400 m with below-freezing temperatures in the valleys.

Avalanche Summary

Small loose wet avalanches were observed on steep south-facing slopes on Thursday.

Snowpack Summary

Warm air temperatures and clear skies have caused melting of the surface snow on south-facing slopes. Crusts may form overnight but should melt quickly in the mornings. The warm weather has settled the snowpack and may be improving the bond to the 30-50 cm deep rain crust from late November, but there are still limited observations of this layer. Lingering wind slabs may exist at higher elevations but are trending towards being unreactive. Cornices may be weakening with the warm air temperatures.

Problems

Loose Wet

Warm air temperatures and clear skies have produced spring-like conditions on steep solar aspects. Loose wet avalanches may begin small but could step down to deeper crust layers.

Avoid sunny slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if the snow is moist or wet.Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps, where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Loose wet avalanches may trigger deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 9th, 2017 2:00PM