Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 3rd, 2017 4:46PM

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

Avalanche Canada mgrist, Avalanche Canada

Don't let your guard down with the sunny weather and fresh snow. Take a cautious approach towards more aggressive terrain - especially steep, wind-affected terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

We're into a period of fine weather for the foreseeable future. Monday: Cloudy with sunny periods. Freezing levels around 700 m. Light northwesterly winds.Tuesday: Mainly sunny and becoming warm up high. Freezing levels rising to 1500 m. Light northerly winds.Wednesday: Sunny. Light northerly winds. Freezing levels 2000m. Alpine high temperatures to +1 Celsius.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed.

Snowpack Summary

Approximately 40-60 cm of snow from late last week now sits on top of a rain crust (or multiple crusts) that formed during the wet weather at the end of November. Strong (southerly) winds have blown snow around in exposed areas creating drifts and scoured areas. The main areas of concern are lee (northerly) and cross-loaded features in the alpine and tree line elevation bands. Snowpack depths are typically around 150 cm in sheltered tree line locations, although deeper (and shallower) spots certainly exist on account of the strong winds.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Wind slabs have been building over a crust layer in specific locations. This layer may slide easily, particularly on steep convex terrain or where the wind has blown it into more cohesive slabs.
Be alert to changing snow conditions, especially where the snow firms up or sounds hollow.Avoid steep lee and cross-loaded featuresUse ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 4th, 2017 2:00PM