Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 15th, 2021 1:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada JSmith, Avalanche Canada

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Shifting wind directions on Thursday may form fresh wind slabs on numerous aspects.

 Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain. 

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy / Light, southerly winds / Low of -3 C / Freezing level 500 m.

THURSDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Moderate, northwesterly winds / High of 1 C / Freezing level 600 m.

FRIDAY: Increasing cloudiness / Light, westerly winds / High of -1 C / Freezing level 500 m.

SATURDAY: Snow/rain; 65-75 mm / Extreme, southwesterly winds / High of 3 C / Freezing level 1300 m.

Avalanche Summary

Small (size 1) rider triggered wind slabs were reported in this region on Monday.

Snowpack Summary

Shifting wind directions on Thursday may form fresh wind slabs on numerous aspects.

30-40 cm of recent snow has buried the early December crust layers. The snowpack is generally well-settled and strong below these layers. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
  • Avoid terrain traps where the consequence of any avalanche could be serious.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Shifting wind directions on Thursday may form fresh wind slabs on numerous aspects.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 16th, 2021 1:00PM

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