Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 14th, 2019 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada kdevine, Avalanche Canada

Wind slabs are likely to be encountered at upper elevations and may be reactive to human triggering, especially in lee features.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Confidence is due to a stable weather pattern with little change expected.

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY NIGHT - Cloudy with clear periods / light northwest winds / alpine low temperature near -4

SUNDAY - Cloudy with sunny periods / northwest wind 15-30 km/h / alpine high temperature near -4

MONDAY - Cloudy with scattered flurries / southwest wind, 20-40 km/h / alpine high temperature near -1

TUESDAY - Rain or snow, 5-10 cm / southwest winds, 40-70 km/h / alpine high temperature near +2 / freezing level 1500 m

Avalanche Summary

There have been no recent reports of avalanches, but there is very little information available at this time. Based on recent weather events, it is likely that a natural avalanche cycle occurred at upper elevations on Thursday, and may have continued into Friday.

With a more stable weather pattern over the weekend, it is likely that natural avalanche activity has tapered off. However, avalanches could still be triggered by humans, especially in wind loaded areas at higher elevations.

If you get out into the mountains, let us know what you see by posting to the Mountain Information Network!

Snowpack Summary

30-50 cm of recent fresh snow at treeline and in the alpine sits on a weak layer of surface hoar above about 1400 m. Previous strong southwest winds have likely redistributed the new snow and formed wind slabs. The new snow sits on a very thin snowpack of about 30 cm at 1500 m.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Recent strong southwest winds have likely formed wind slabs on lee terrain features that may be reactive to human triggers.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 15th, 2019 5:00PM