Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 8th, 2017–Dec 9th, 2017

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

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

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

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: Kootenay Boundary.

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

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.

Avalanche 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