Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Glacier.
Wind slabs exist in the alpine. If triggered, these may step down to the persistent weak layer.
Good quality riding can be found at higher elevations, but take your time on the descent through the trees or valley bottom exits, it is still quite rugged with a below-average snowpack.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
Several loose dry and small slab avalanches were observed the past few days.
A human-triggered avalanche occurred on Video peak Saturday afternoon involving a group of 3, no injuries reported.
Last week several significant human-triggered avalanches were failing on the Dec 1st surface hoar layer. The most notable avalanches occurred on Balu Pk & Ursus Minor.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 5cm of new snow covers wind slabs in the alpine, formed by 15-25cm of recent snow and moderate winds. Below 1800m 10-15cm of snow sits on breakable crust from recent warm temps.
Significant layers in the mid snowpack are:
-A rain crust below 2100m, down 40-60cm.
-The Dec 1 surface hoar, down 60-100cm. Which continues to give 'sudden' test results, and caused some close calls for skiers last week.
In shallow areas, the base of the snowpack is faceted and unsupportive.
Weather Summary
A ridge of high pressure continues to block any significant snowfall from reaching our region.
Tonight: Clear periods. Alpine Low -6 °C. Light South ridgetop winds.
Wednesday: Mix of sun and cloud. High 1 °C. Freezing level (Fzl) 2300m. Gusty moderate S winds.
Thurs: Scattered flurries (4 cm). Low -5 °C, High -4 °C. Fzl 1500m. Moderate SW wind.
Fri: Sunny periods. Low -6 °C, High 0 °C. Fzl 1600m. Light S winds.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Fresh snow rests on a problematic persistent slab, don't let good riding lure you into complacency.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Winds have redistributed snow in the Alpine. Expect to find it most reactive at ridge top and in lee or cross-loaded features.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
A weak layer of surface hoar down 50-100 cm in the snowpack is at the ideal depth for human triggering. This persistent weak layer has been very slow to bond, but seems less reactive below 2100m where it may be bridged by a buried rain crust.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3