Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 6th, 2016–Dec 7th, 2016

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

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Northwest Inland.

Assess local conditions carefully and use extra caution on wind affected slopes.

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

The North will remain cold and snow free as the arctic air mass dominates the region bringing the coldest temperatures of the season and strong outflow winds. Alpine temperatures near -17 with the inversion. Ridgetop winds will blow moderate from the East and a mix of sun and cloud. An approaching low pressure system off the South coast will arrive Thursday and mostly affect the southern part of the province.

Avalanche Summary

No new reports on Tuesday, however; check out the new MIN report for the Miller Ck/ Crater Lk area. That report indicated a natural size 2 slab avalanche which appeared to be a cornice failure in steep complex terrain. The avalanche was noted from a southeast aspect at 1850. The crown was 20-30 cm thick, 60 m wide and running up to 300 m in length.

Snowpack Summary

Switching winds from the northeast may reverse load slopes, forming new atypical wind slabs that could catch you by surprise. A layer of surface hoar was reported around Hudson Bay Mountain last week, which now sits beneath 40-50 cm of settling snow. A thick rain crust that formed in early November is now buried 50-60 cm deep, and recent snowpack tests produced sudden results on facets (sugary snow) above this crust. Early season snowpack observations are still very limited in the region, but reports suggest the average snowpack depth is 50-90 cm at treeline and 120 cm or greater in the alpine.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

New wind slabs may exist in the alpine and on exposed features at treeline. Wind slabs may be touchy in areas with buried surface hoar.

Watch your transition into wind affected terrain. Some areas may have been reverse loaded by winds.Tread cautiously on open slopes and convex rolls where buried surface hoar may be preserved.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2