Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 6th, 2012–Dec 7th, 2012

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

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 Rockies.

Confidence

Poor - Due to variable snowpack conditions

Weather Forecast

Overnight and Friday: Light snowfall / moderate northwest winds / Freezing level at surfaceSaturday: No precipitation / Light northwest winds / Freezing level at surfaceSunday: Light snowfall / Light southwest winds / Freezing level at surface

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche observations.

Snowpack Summary

Recent storm accumulations have been highly variable throughout the region; however, some ares saw moderate to heavy snowfall a few days ago. In general winds have been strong creating widespread windslabs at higher elevations. Warmer temperatures and rain at lower elevations have created moist surfaces that will most likely form a temperature crust with dropping freezing levels. Cornices are also reported to be unseasonably large and potentially unstable.There have been reports of buried surface hoar up to a metre down. This layer, which was buried about a week ago, seems most prevalent on the west side of the region. Little is known about its current reactivity.At the base of the snowpack you may find the early November crust which is associated with a layer of facets either directly above or below.In general, snowpack data is sparse in this region and significant variations likely exist from one drainage to another. Digging down and making your own observations will be critical to safe slope selection. Any observations from the field are welcome at forecaster@avalanche.ca.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent light to locally heavy snowfall and strong winds have created new wind slabs. With high wind values, loading may have taken place lower on the slope than normal.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Deep Persistent Slabs

We have not heard of any new releases on this early season rain crust; however, an avalanche at this interface could be surprisingly large and destructive.

Choose well supported terrain without convexities.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 5