Avalanche forecast

North Columbia

Dec 31, 2016Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Slab avalanches in steep terrain are still likely following the recent large storm, especially in wind-affected terrain. Conservative terrain choices are recommended.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3
    A weak layer buried in mid-December has produced large avalanches. Spotty patches of surface hoar have made it difficult to pinpoint where this layer might react. Thin snowpack areas in the north and east parts of the region are the most likely.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2–3
    Lots of new snow has piled up over the past week and will gradually settle into a storm slab. Watch for signs like shooting cracks to alert you to slab formation and be especially wary around areas exposed to the wind.

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY: Flurries with accumulations of 5-15 cm, light to moderate northwest winds, alpine temperatures around -12.SUNDAY: A mix of sun and cloud, light northeast winds, alpine temperatures around -16.MONDAY: Sunny with cloudy periods, light northeast winds, alpine temperatures around -20.

Avalanche Summary

Widespread storm slab activity was reported on Friday including natural and explosive triggered avalanches typically in the size 2-2.5 range.Expect storm slab activity to continue into the weekend and be extra touchy in wind affected terrain. Triggering persistent slab avalanches remains possible in thin snowpack areas in the northern and eastern parts of the region.

Confidence

Moderate - Wind speed and direction is uncertain

Snowpack Summary

Between 50 and 100 cm of new low density snow has fallen over the past week, with the greatest accumulations in the Monashees. Shifting winds with moderate speeds are forming touchy storm slabs in exposed high elevation terrain. The mid-December interface can be found buried 80-120 cm deep and consists of faceted (sugary) crystals and/or surface hoar. Recent tests suggest the the new snow is well bonded to the interface in most areas, but remains a concern in thin snowpack areas such as the eastern and northern parts of the region. The lower snowpack is well consolidated and features a thick rain crust near the ground.

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