Avalanche forecast

South Columbia

Dec 10 – 11, 2011Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 15 years ago

Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Hard windslabs linger in lee locations.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–5
    Difficult to trigger, but with high consequences. Weaker thin spots on convexities or around protruding rocks/clumps of small trees may be likely trigger locations.

Confidence

Fair - Due to limited field observations

Weather Forecast

Sunday: Expect clearing skies, with light winds and temperatures reaching -10. Monday: Mostly clear, with winds turning westerly but remaining light. Freezing levels could reach 1200m. Tuesday: Expect clouds to build and light flurries to begin late in the day under southwesterly winds.

Avalanche Summary

Isolated reports of small solar triggered sluffs on south facing slopes at treeline and in the alpine.

Snowpack Summary

The Surface Hoar continues to grow due to the clear and cold nights and the cold temperatures are also promoting near surface facetting. Expect to find a sun-crust that has formed in the alpine on south through west aspects. Wind slabs persist in the alpine and in large openings at treeline. Some areas have a rain-crust below treeline from the 28th of November that has been buried by about 20 cms of snow. This rain-crust may be developing facets, and could become a layer of interest after it is buried by more of a load. There is still some concern associated with the November 7 surface hoar layer. This layer is buried 100-150 cms. Tests are showing that this layer is getting harder to trigger, but if an avalanche does release on this layer, it is likely to be large and destructive.

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