Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 8th, 2016 4:21PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
triley,
Avalanche Canada
Changing wind directions may deposit snow in unusual locations. Constantly evaluate the conditions as they change with elevation and aspect.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Wind effect is extremely variable
Weather Forecast
Some cloud developing overnight combined with light southerly winds and alpine temperatures around -20. Mostly cloudy on Friday with a chance of sunny breaks. Winds becoming moderate from the southwest during the day with alpine high temperatures around -17. Light snow on Saturday with moderate southwest winds and alpine temperatures around -15. Light snow on Sunday with moderate southwest winds.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches reported from this region. I suspect that pockets of wind slab may become more stubborn to trigger, but also may propagate further once they are released.
Snowpack Summary
Recent snow has formed wind slabs on northerly aspects in the alpine that are reactive to light additional loads like a single skier/rider. The cold temperatures and clear skies are developing near surface facets, and may be preserving surface hoar that was buried on the weekend. Alpine snow depths are around 120-170 cm, and the widespread mid-november crust is buried down around 70-90 cm. Snowpack and crust depths increase as you move west into the Selkirks. It sounds like there is a bit less snow on the ground in the south of the region, but we have not had many observations at this time. If you dig down to the crust, watch for facets developing above and below that may provide a hard surface with a weak sliding layer in the future. Please let us know what you find by posting to the MIN (Mountain Information Network).
Problems
Wind Slabs
Cold temperatures and variable winds have preserved pockets of wind slab in the alpine and at treeline.
Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 9th, 2016 2:00PM
