Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 25th, 2012 8:02AM

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

Avalanche Canada mbender, Avalanche Canada

Summary

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: Isolated flurries with generally overcast skies, winds light to moderate from the southwest and alpine temperatures near -11.Thursday and Friday: A weak ridge of high pressure will give generally dry conditions, winds light from the west and alpine temperatures near -12.

Avalanche Summary

Reports from the weekend indicate a size 2 skier triggered avalanche from steep northeast facing terrain in the alpine. This was triggered from a cornice on a ridge crest. Other reports indicate isolated natural avalanche activity from steep rocky terrain in the alpine to size 2.

Snowpack Summary

A wind event from last week formed relatively deep wind slabs in the alpine.These have been buried by the most recent new snow combined with wind forming fresh wind slabs on the surface. In sheltered open areas below tree line there may be newly formed surface hoar sitting on the snow surface. There are some reports of a sun crust down around 100 cm in steep south facing features. The mid-pack is reported to be settling well. Recent reports indicate late November surface hoar (near the middle of the snowpack) and early November crust (near the base of the snowpack) have been inactive. It's important to note that professionals are still cautious about these lingering persistent slab problems, however the likelihood of triggering is low. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack, where triggering a persistent weakness is more likely. Glide cracks are also opening up, and the potential for subsequent largely unpredictable full-depth avalanches are a concern.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Watch for newly formed and buried windslabs in in the lee of terrain features.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.>Stay well to the windward side of corniced ridges.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Dec 26th, 2012 2:00PM

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