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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 8th, 2015–Dec 9th, 2015

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Little Yoho.

New snow has helped the ski quality.  More snow forecasted for Wednesday may further stress the Dec 3 weak layer.

Weather Forecast

Tuesday's storm will taper off tonight, snowfall totals will be 10-25 cm.  A smaller system starting around noon on Wednesday will bring 10-15 cm. FL will drop tonight and through Wednesday as the front passes.  Winds will also drop to light with some strong gusts from the W-SW.

Snowpack Summary

The Dec 3rd interface is buried by 30-50 cm of storm snow and is a layer to watch right now. This interface consists of facets and large surface hoar below 2000m, wind effect in the alpine, and sun crusts on steep S and SW aspects. Moderate S and SW winds are building soft slabs in the lee of alpine features. The lower snowpack is well settled.

Avalanche Summary

Small windslabs local to ridgecrests are reactive to skier traffic in the alpine and at treeline. Some cracking observed in a steep below treeline glade today where the Dec. 3rd surface hoar was present. Again, limited observations in the alpine due to poor visibility.

Confidence

Track of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.