Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 15th, 2016 4:37PM

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

jsmith, Avalanche Canada

Lizard-Flathead.

Moderate to strong winds are building fresh wind slabs on lee features at treeline and above.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Wind speed and direction is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Friday: Mix of sun and cloud / Light northeasterly winds / Average temperature at treeline -20 C.Saturday: Mostly sunny / Light southwesterly winds / Average temperature at treeline -20 C.Sunday: Mix of sun and cloud / Light northwesterly winds / Average temperature at treeline -14 C.

Avalanche Summary

On Wednesday, no new avalanches were reported in this region.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 30 cm of low density storm snow from the weekend is being redistributed into soft slabs in wind exposed terrain. The new snow is sitting on top of a mixture of surface hoar and weak surface facets which means the storm snow could become reactive when it settles into a slab. The mid pack is reported to be well settled. Reports suggest typical treeline snow depths are around 120-170 cm, but a report from the east side of region indicated a much lower snow depth of around 90 cm. Limited reports suggest the snow is well bonded to the crusts buried in mid and early November which are down 50-80 cm and 80-110 cm, respectively.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Light to moderate winds may build fresh wind slabs in lee features below ridgetops.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.Avoid slopes where the snow feels stiff or 'slabby'.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 16th, 2016 2:00PM