Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 26th, 2015 10:25AM

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

Avalanche Canada jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Enjoy the holidays and remember to practice with all your new rescue gear!

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Sunday

Weather Forecast

On Sunday, expect up to 10cm of new snow and strong southwest winds. A gradual clearing trend is forecast for Monday and Tuesday as a dry ridge of high pressure develops over the region. Winds associated with the ridge should be generally light and northeasterly. Freezing levels are expected to hover around valley bottom for all 3 days.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported.  With new snow and wind forecast for the weekend, I expect a round of wind slab activity in high elevation lee terrain.

Snowpack Summary

By Sunday afternoon, I expect about 10cm of new snow to have fallen. In exposed, high elevation terrain, strong southwest winds will have shifted these new accumulations into fresh and potentially reactive wind slabs in lee terrain. At lower elevations, you may be able to find either isolated pockets of surface hoar or a crust with facets that was reported to be buried on December 17th. Reports from the field indicate that this layer is now starting to break down and gain strength.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Watch for new wind slab development in high elevation lee terrain.
Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 27th, 2015 2:00PM

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