Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 24th, 2012 9:06AM

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

Avalanche Canada mbender, Avalanche Canada

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing of incoming weather is uncertain on Thursday

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: Isolated flurries expected, winds moderate from the south and alpine temperatures near -11.Wednesday: Light precipitation, winds light to moderate from the south and alpine temperatures near -10.Thursday: Isolated flurries, winds light from the southwest and alpine temperatures near -10. 

Avalanche Summary

Reports from yesterday afternoon indicate a size 2 skier triggered avalanche from steep northeast facing terrain in the alpine. This was triggered from a cornice on a ridge crest. Other reports indicate isolated natural avalanche activity from steep rocky terrain in the alpine to size 2.

Snowpack Summary

An average of 150 cm of storm snow fell in the last 10 days across the region. A wind event from last week formed relatively deep wind slabs in the alpine. New snow combined with wind has formed fresh windslabs on the surface. There are some reports of a suncrust down around 100 cm in steep south facing features. The mid-pack is reported to be settling well. Recent reports indicate late November surface hoar is currently inactive. The early November crust, near the base of the snowpack has also been inactive as of late. It's important to note that professionals are still cautious about these lingering persistent slab problems, but the likelihood of triggering is low. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack, where triggering a persistent weakness is more likely.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Watch for newly formed and buried windslabs in in the lee of terrain features.
Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Stay well to the windward side of corniced ridges.>Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Dec 25th, 2012 2:00PM