Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 16th, 2011 9:37AM

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

Avalanche Canada jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

On saturday snow will continue with accumulations of 5-10cm, moderate southwest winds and freezing levels climbing as high as 1800m.On sunday light flurries will continue through the morning, but a clearing trend is expected for the afternoon bringing light northwest winds and freezing levels at about 1000m.On monday expect light to moderate snowfall, increased westerly alpine winds and freezing levels at valley bottom.

Avalanche Summary

There have been no new reports of avalanches. Fresh wind slabs are expected to form and become an avalanche problem with the forecast weather on saturday.

Snowpack Summary

Large surface hoar and faceted powder on sheltered shady slopes, and a surface crust on sun-exposed slopes, are now lightly buried in some locations and should continue to get incrementally buried over the forecast period. Assuming the structure of this current snow surface is preserved long enough for a sufficiently thick and cohesive slab to bury it, then a highly unstable situation should develop (particularly where surface hoar and/or faceted crystals are associated with a weak crust). The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong, but faceted. Check out the Forecaster's Blog link below for more general snowpack discussion and good advice.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Fresh wind slabs will be developing on lee and cross-loaded terrain in the alpine and at treeline.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 17th, 2011 8:00AM

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