Avalog Join
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 17th, 2017–Dec 18th, 2017
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
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: South Rockies.

While unlikely, if storm totals exceed 15cm on Monday then the danger rating will be moderate at all elevation bands as fresh storm slabs begin to form.

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Zonal flow should be firmly established by Monday morning.  Two pulses established within this flow are expected to deliver modest quantities of snow and wind to the South Rockies through Tuesday evening.  The models currently show 5 to 10cm for each 12 hour period between Monday morning and Tuesday night, but there is potential to double these amounts on Tuesday.  Stay tuned for more details. MONDAY:  Overcast, freezing level starting at valley bottom rising to 1000m in the afternoon, moderate to strong southwest wind, 2 to 15cm of snow possible.   TUESDAY:  Overcast, freezing level near valley bottom, light variable wind, 5 to 20cm of snow possible.                                                                                                           WEDNESDAY:  Overcast with some clearing in the afternoon, freezing level at valley bottom, light variable wind, 1 to 5cm of snow possible. 

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity reported.If you're out and about please help us out by submitting your observations to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Isolated pockets of wind slab may be found on easterly aspects in the alpine, while windward slopes have been scoured down to the old rain crust or rock. Sun crusts have formed on southerly slopes.  In sheltered terrain at and below treeline very large feathery surface hoar and sugary facets are on the surface.  The two crusts that were buried near the end of November can now be found approximately 15 to 20cm below the surface. A third crust from the end of October exists near the base of the snowpack.  Recent testing on this crust did not produce significant results.  Check out this video from our South Rockies Field Team.