Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 17th, 2016 4:33PM

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

mbender, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

Fresh wind slabs are building in unusual places. Use caution as you transition into exposed terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Monday

Weather Forecast

Sunday: Cloudy with scattered flurries / Light to moderate southwest wind / Alpine temperature -11Monday: Periods of snow: accumulations 15-20cm / Light to moderate southwest wind / Alpine temperature -9 Tuesday: Cloudy with flurries / Moderate to strong wind / Alpine temperature of -7

Avalanche Summary

Recent reports indicate avalanche activity as thin windslabs in the alpine to size 1 and loose now sluffing in steep terrain to size 1.

Snowpack Summary

Around 30cm of faceted powder overlies the facets and surface hoar that was buried last weekend. Variable light to moderate winds have loaded immediate leeward features with touchy wind slabs. A widespread crust that was buried in November is typically down 80-100cm. Recent tests show this persistent weakness has the propensity to propagate large avalanches if triggered, from thin rocky areas, for instance.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Fresh wind slabs on the downwind side of ridge crests and terrain features have formed. Expect to find these pillows of wind-transported snow in unusual places thanks to recent northerly winds.

On steep slopes, pull over periodically or cut into a new line to manage sluffing.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 18th, 2016 2:00PM