Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 24th, 2017 8:00AM

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

Parks Canada mark herbison, Parks Canada

Large avalanches are possible in isolated terrain features (couloirs, steep faces, etc). Evaluate the snowpack thoroughly before entering your line.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A strong ridge of high pressure is sitting over the region giving us clear sunny skies. The winds will be from the north in the 15-35km/hr range with an Alpine high of -17... bbrrr thats cold, bring an extra layer or two! The ridge of high pressure looks like it will persist until mid week, with no snow in the forecast untilĀ  Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

50 cm of low density snow redistributed by variable winds in the alpine and tree line forming pockets of wind slab. Below tree line the storm snow remains unconsolidated and sits on the Dec 15 surface hoar which is widespread and largest where sheltered. In the alpine, Dec 15 is a thin crust on solar aspects and small surface hoar on polar aspects.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed yesterday.Numerous natural avalanches from a few days ago up to sz 2.5 in steep terrain.

Confidence

Problems

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs
Recent storm snow is settling into a persistent slab which sits on the Dec 15 surface hoar. Expect the slab to be more sensitive as you transition into steep and/or wind effected terrain. Solar aspects have a thin crust layer below the slab.
Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to the presence of buried surface hoar.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
15-35km/hr variable winds are forming pockets of wind slab in exposed areas in the alpine and at tree line. These slabs may have surface hoar or crust underneath, leading them to be sensitive to human triggering.
Variable winds have created pockets of wind slab on all aspects.Watch for shooting cracks or stiffer feeling snow. Avoid areas that appear wind loaded.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 25th, 2017 8:00AM