Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 30th, 2016–Dec 31st, 2016

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: South Columbia.

Slab avalanches in steep terrain are still likely following the recent large storm, especially in wind-affected terrain. Conservative terrain choices are recommended.

Confidence

Moderate - Wind speed and direction is uncertain

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY: Flurries with accumulations of 5-10 cm, light southwest winds, alpine temperatures around -9.SUNDAY: A mix of sun and cloud, light to moderate northeast winds, alpine temperatures around -13.MONDAY: Sunny, light east winds, alpine temperatures around -20.

Avalanche Summary

Widespread storm slab activity was reported on Friday including natural and explosive triggered avalanches typically in the size 2-2.5 range. Expect storm slab activity to continue into the weekend and be extra touchy in wind affected terrain.

Snowpack Summary

Between 50 and 90 cm of new low density snow has fallen over the past week, with the greatest accumulations in the Monashees. Shifting winds with moderate speeds are forming touchy storm slabs in exposed high elevation terrain. The mid-December interface can be found buried 70-120 cm deep and consists of faceted (sugary) crystals or surface hoar. This layer appears to be well bonded in many parts of the region, but has been reactive in snowpack tests in the southeast part of the region where a slab overlies preserved surface hoar. The lower snowpack is well consolidated and features a thick rain crust near the ground.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Lots of new snow has piled up over the week and avalanche danger will increase as the new snow consolidates into a slab. Watch for signs like shooting cracks to alert you to slab formation and expect touchier conditions in wind-exposed areas.

Shooting cracks and recent avalanches are both strong indicators of an unstable snowpack.Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.Use caution on open slopes and convex rolls

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3