Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 1st, 2015 8:00AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Parks Canada andrew jones, Parks Canada

Today will be the last day of decent stability for awhile, as several pulses of weather are moving into our area tonight and will burry our beautifully large surface hoar layer and sun crusts.

Summary

Weather Forecast

We can expect cloud formation in valley bottoms and at mid elevation range today, with Alpine temps dropping below freezing again. The ridge of high pressure is breaking down and a weather system will move into our area tonight, bringing several cm of snow. Winds will be light and from the southwest. Snow is forecasted for wednesday into thursday.

Snowpack Summary

There is 20 mm surface hoar and near surface faceting affecting the snowpack at lower elevations. This layer will become a concern once it is buried. 6mm surface hoar can be found at tree line and above with sun crusts on steep solar aspects, variable wind effect and wind slab in exposed terrain at tree line and in the alpine.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed yesterday, but several size 1.5-2.0 avalanches were observed in the highway corridor within the past few days. Point release activity has occurred on steeper solar aspects caused by above freezing temperatures at higher elevations.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Wednesday

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Distribution of winds slabs has been spotty but has been found on southerly aspects. Use caution when transitioning into exposed terrain at tree line and in the alpine.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 2nd, 2015 8:00AM