Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 12th, 2014 9:07AM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

Although the trend shows improvement the potential for triggering an avalanche is greatest at higher elevations due to recent heavy snowfall and strong winds.

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

The deluge has finally ended! A dry ridge of high pressure will develop for the forecast period bringing gradually clearing skies, light northwest winds and freezing levels at or near valley bottom.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been observed, likely because recent weather has kept people out in the mountains to make those observations. If you have any avalanche observations, please share them on our new Mountain Information Network. For more details, go to: http://www.avalanche.ca/blogs/VIYBuScAAJdbdqPz/m-i-n-intro

Snowpack Summary

Rain from the past week has saturated the snowpack in most areas, and a hard crust likely exists to about 2100m. The thickness of the crust will depend on elevation and how much rain fell. At higher elevations, snow and strong winds have added depth and cohesion to a storm slab which may overlie a weak layer of facets, surface hoar, a hard rain crust, or a combination thereof.Near the base of the snowpack is a crust/facet combination which formed in November. This interface remains a concern at higher elevations in many parts of the region as it continues to produce whumpfing, and has the potential for wide propagations.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

The best riding will be at higher elevations. So will the highest avalanche danger, so resist the temptation to venture into steep terrain. Persistent weaknesses have been overloaded by recent storms, and may surprise with nasty consequences.

Avoid large alpine features with smooth ground cover..>Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

3 - 5

Storm Slabs

Recent snow and strong winds have formed cohesive storm slabs. Watch for triggering in the lee of terrain breaks.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 13th, 2014 2:00PM