Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 12th, 2015 8:48AM

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

Avalanche Canada jlammers, Avalanche Canada

This bulletin was produced using very few field observations. If you've been out in the mountains, please share your observations on our Mountain Information Network.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

On Sunday, expect mainly cloudy skies and light northwest winds. By late Monday and Tuesday, the region could see up to 10cm of new snow and strong southwest winds. The freezing level should hover around valley bottom for the entire forecast period.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported from the region.

Snowpack Summary

As much as 60cms of settled snow may now sit on a layer of buried surface hoar, although I'm unsure of the layer's reactivity and spatial distribution. I'd dig down and test for this potentially weak layer before committing to any steep lines, especially on sheltered north facing slopes at tree-line and just below. Recently formed wind slabs are reported to exist at alpine elevations.Lower below tree-line elevations may still be below threshold for avalanches.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Recently formed wind slabs may exist at higher elevations. Watch for triggering in the lee of ridge crests and in gullies.
Use caution in lee areas in the alpine. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs
A weak layer of surface hoar may be buried in the upper snowpack, although reports indicate it is spotty in its distribution across the region. Where it exists, I suspect that it may be at a critical depth for human triggered avalanches.
Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.>Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 13th, 2015 2:00PM