Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 17th, 2017 4:55PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada mbender, Avalanche Canada

Snow amounts are gradually accumulating over a variety of potential weak layers

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Monday

Weather Forecast

MONDAY: Snow Sunday night into Monday accumulations 10-15cm then cloudy with scattered flurries / Light to moderate northwest / Alpine temperature -9 TUESDAY: Cloudy with flurries accumulations 5cm / Light to moderate southeast wind / Alpine temperature -12 WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries / Light north wind / Alpine temperature -15 

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported within this region on Saturday. Expect to see avalanche activity increase as the new snow starts to accumulate in the coming days.

Snowpack Summary

15-25cm of new snow accumulating Friday through Sunday evening sits on a wide variety of old surfaces including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. As the snow load builds and slab properties develop, it will be important to monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surfaces. Most concerning would be areas that have surface hoar sitting on top of a hard crust. A crust which was formed by rain in late November is a major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 50-80cm at tree line elevations. Snowpack tests suggest the snow above is currently bonding well to it. Snowpack depth decreases rapidly below tree line. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
As new snow accumulates expect it to become reactive to human triggering.
Watch for whumpfing, shooting cracks, or signs of recent natural avalanches.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Buried surface hoar may be preserved on open slopes and convex rolls at and below tree line

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 18th, 2017 2:00PM