Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 10th, 2017 8:00AM

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

mark herbison, Parks Canada

Glacier.

By midday it feels like spring in the alpine. Use caution near or below steep rock features on solar aspects.Best snow quality found in sheltered areas on shaded aspects.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A ridge of high pressure continues to dominate the region with no precipitation in the immediate future. A temperature inversion (-12 valley bottom, +2 alpine) keeps clouds trapped in the valleys while warm temps and sun bring spring like conditions to the alpine. Expect light winds from the west at ridge top... It might snow next week...

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is well settled and for the time being the Nov 23 (dwn ~100cm) and Nov 26 (dwn ~75cm) crusts are bonding well. Large surface hoar is growing below the valley cloud layer and the upper snowpack is beginning to facet. The alpine has seen above freezing temps and a thin crust can be found on solar aspects.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous loose avalanches up to size 2 were observed on steep solar aspects, especially near rocky outcrops in the last few days. These avalanches have been triggered by warm alpine temps and strong solar heating.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Problems

Loose Wet

A temperature inversion continues to bring above zero temps to the alpine. The warm temps, with a nudge from strong solar input, can cause loose avalanches on steep S and W aspects. Rock outcrops will heat up fastest with the sun's rays.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.Best conditions on sheltered northerly aspects.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 11th, 2017 8:00AM