Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 8th, 2017 3:57PM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Wet.

mconlan, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

Warm alpine air is the continuing trend. Be cautious on steep slopes if the snow feels moist or wet.

Summary

Confidence

High - The weather pattern is stable

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light to moderate southerly winds, freezing level around 2700 m with below-freezing temperatures in the valleys.SATURDAY OVERNIGHT: Cloudy with light precipitation in the west of the region, accumulation 0 to 10 mm across the region, moderate to strong southwesterly winds, freezing level around 2700 m with below-freezing temperatures in the valleys.SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy, light to moderate southwesterly winds, freezing level around 3200 m.MONDAY: Sunny, moderate southwesterly winds, freezing level around 3000 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed on Thursday. Numerous small to large loose wet avalanches up to size 2 were observed on solar aspects on Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

Warm air temperatures and clear skies have caused melting of the surface snow on south-facing slopes at higher elevations. Crusts may form overnight and may re-melt during the day. Surface hoar up to 10 mm and near-surface faceting have been noted at and near treeline in shady locations. The recent snow from last week is settling and generally bonding well to the late-November rain crusts. Lingering wind slabs on all aspects may be found in the alpine but are trending towards being unreactive. Cornices may be weakening with the warm air temperatures.

Problems

Loose Wet

Warm air temperatures and clear skies have produced spring-like conditions on steep solar aspects. Loose wet avalanches may begin small but can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.

Loose wet avalanches may trigger deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps, where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Avoid sunny slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if the snow is moist or wet.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 9th, 2017 2:00PM