Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 7th, 2018 5:19PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada mbender, Avalanche Canada

A steady flow of moisture has gradually accumulated storm snow amounts over the past 2 days.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Monday

Weather Forecast

MONDAY:  Periods of snow, accumulations 5-10cm Sunday night and 5-10cm through Monday / Moderate southwest wind / Alpine temperature -2  TUESDAY: Cloudy with scattered flurries / Light to moderate south wind / Alpine temperature -4 WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with scattered flurries / Light southwest wind / Alpine temperature -6

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche activity on Saturday Sunday was reported as thin windslabs in alpine lees to size 1 that were reactive to skier traffic.

Snowpack Summary

20-30cm of new snow sits on a crust that formed on Saturday. This sits above about 20cm of moist snow. The new snow has been redistributed by moderate to strong southeast through southwest winds on Sunday. Up to 100 cm below the surface there is a widespread melt-freeze crust that was buried on December 15th. This layer has not produced much in the way of avalanche activity and is likely trending towards dormancy. Beneath the mid-December crust, the lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Newly formed storm slabs may be sitting on a thin crust which may increase their sensitivity to human triggering. New snow combined with moderate to strong southwest and southeast wind has created wind slabs in the lee of terrain features.
Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 8th, 2018 2:00PM