Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 9th, 2017 4:01PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Wet.

Avalanche Canada mgrist, Avalanche Canada

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Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

We'll see little change in the weather pattern: valley cloud and cool temperatures down low but sunny and warm up high. SUNDAY: Cloudy with sunny breaks. Light to moderate south-west winds. Freezing level near 1700 m.MONDAY: Sunny with cloudy periods. Light wind. Freezing level near 3000 m with a colder air layer in the valleys. Alpine high temperatures near +3.TUESDAY: Sunny with increasing cloud in the afternoon. Light wind. Freezing level near 2000 m with a colder air layer in the valleys.

Avalanche Summary

Over the past few days there have been small wet loose avalanches reported on steep south (west) aspects above 2400m elevation. A previous wind slab cycle has slowed down over the last few days.

Snowpack Summary

Warm temperatures up high will melt and weaken upper snowpack layers, particularly on steep sunny slopes. Warming also has the potential to wake up more deeply buried crust layers. Recently formed wind slabs are gaining strength, but may still be found in the lee of ridges and terrain breaks. Below tree line, the snowpack is shallow--look out for early season hazards like open creeks and tree stumps.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet
Loose wet avalanches are possible in steep, rocky, sunny terrain. Warming could also wake up more deeply buried weak layers.
Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.Use caution above ledges and cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 10th, 2017 2:00PM