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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 26th, 2011–Dec 27th, 2011
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Regions: Kootenay Boundary.

We are receiving very few field observations from this region. You can help! Tell us what you are seeing out there: email [email protected]

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: Light snow. Strong westerly winds. Freezing level near 1000m.Wednesday: 20-25cm snow. Moderate-strong west to south-west winds. Freezing level around 1450m.Thursday: 10-15cm snow. Moderate to strong west to south-west winds. Freezing level 1400m, lowering in the afternoon.We are in a challenging period for weather forecasting. Check out the Forecaster's Blog for more information on this and how it affects the avalanche forecasts.

Avalanche Summary

A natural and skier-triggered avalanche cycle with slabs up to size 2 was observed over the last couple of days. These were failing on the mid-December surface hoar on north through east aspects from 1700m to the peaks. Wind loading from the south-west overnight Sunday led to naturally-triggered wind-slabs on lee slopes on Monday morning. Touchy conditions are likely to continue through the forecast period.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 20cm of new snow has been redistributed by south-west winds into touchy wind-slabs on lee slopes. A buried surface hoar layer from mid-December around 30cm down is now highly reactive. It is well-preserved with 10-15mm crystals and is most reactive well below ridges in protected terrain. The mid-pack is generally well settled. Facets exist at the base of the snowpack.

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

Very touchy conditions have been observed, with avalanches failing easily on a buried surface hoar layer in the upper snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Wind Slabs

South-west winds have created wind-slabs behind ridges and terrain breaks. These are expected to build through the week.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3