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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 20th, 2021–Dec 21st, 2021

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

North Rockies.

Avoid wind effected terrain. New rider triggerable wind slab will likely develop on Tuesday at all elevations.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Monday night: some light flurries possible. Strong Northwest wind with a low of -21 at 1300m.

Tuesday: 15 to 30cm of new snow is expected. Winds will vary in direction throughout the region. In the North the winds will be strong Northwest in the morning and light West in the afternoon. In the South the winds will be strong from the West in the morning and moderate Southwest in the afternoon. High of -17 at 1300m.

Wednesday: the north of the region will see light East winds with some flurries and a high of -16 at 1300m. The South will see moderate West winds with up to 20cm of new snow with a high of -12 at 1300m.

Thursday: some light flurries with light West winds. High of -19 at 1300m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported on the weekend . If you are out in the mountains please consider filling out a Mountain Information Network report.

Snowpack Summary

Wind direction has varied over the last few days. Wind slab could exist on all aspects as a result.

 

A new surface hoar layer is forming on the surface.

Snowpack depth at treeline typically ranges from 50-250 cm, with the shallower value mainly on the eastern side of the range. The alpine snowpack typically ranges from 150-250 cm.

Terrain and Travel

  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.