Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 16th, 2019 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

Parks Canada deryl kelly, Parks Canada

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The wind is ripping through the forecast region; forecasted to exceed 80 kph by Tuesday afternoon.

Summary

Weather Forecast

The colder air is leaving the region as a  westerly flow brings warmer moister air in. Strong winds and light precipitation over the next 24 hrs.

For more details: Mountain Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Top 30cm of the snowpack is mostly unconsolidated except where exposed to wind and slabs may have been formed. The snow depth is variable at all elevations. There is a crust/facet layer distributed through the region in the mid-pack with mixed reactivity and a weak basal facet/depth hoar layer at the base of the pack.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed or reported.

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Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Strong SW winds have likely created wind slab in NW to SE lee aspects. Sensitivity expected to be reactive in the immediate future and might be enough to wake deep, weaker interfaces.

  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.
  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

A few large avalanches were observed during last cycle early in December and we suspect it was on this layer.

  • Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Dec 17th, 2019 4:00PM

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