Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 3rd, 2015 7:37AM

The alpine rating is below threshold, the treeline rating is below threshold, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Wind Slabs.

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

Purcells.

The game may change quickly as new snow buries a super-touchy weak layer. If storm totals get to around 20 cm, it will be time to reel in your terrain exposure.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

A series of storms is pushing onto the coast in quick succession over the next few days, with a little spill over into the Purcells. Disagreement between weather forecast models is making it hard to pin down specifics, but you can expect mainly light snow, south to south-west winds and freezing levels rising to around 1500 m. For more details check out https://avalanche.ca/weather.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity has been reported.

Snowpack Summary

Recent light snow is building up over a variety of old surfaces including wind-stripped north aspects, hard wind slabs, facets, sun crusts and/or large-sized surface hoar. Of most immediate concern is a crust/surface hoar interface that may become super-reactive with enough new snow load. Reports suggest that the surface hoar exists up to about 1800 m and the crust maybe found on all aspects. I certainly wouldn't rule out the possibility of weak interfaces (especially crusts) at higher elevations. Deeper in the snowpack, surface hoar interfaces that were key players in November seem to be inactive. In the highest and shadiest spots, a crust/facet interface may be found near the ground, but is not generally considered a major concern at this time.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Snow is building up over a touchy weak layer. In areas with enough snow, a sensitive storm slab is the result.

Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Hard old wind slabs may still be found near ridge tops.

It's best practice to use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow at this time.>Be cautious as you transition out of wind sheltered terrain and avoid features that are actively being wind loaded.>

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 4th, 2015 2:00PM