Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 2nd, 2021 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada TRettie, Avalanche Canada

Email

With cold and dry conditions for the next few days we will see a improving trend. At higher elevations where dry snow is likely to be found is also where the greatest hazard is present. Use caution as you gain elevation and carefully assess the wind slab hazard.

Summary

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

Thursday night: No new snow is expected. Temperature at 1500m will be -10. Winds will be light to moderate from the West in the alpine.

Friday: Temperature at 1500m -10. Clear weather with no new snow and light West winds in the alpine.

Saturday: Another clear cold day. high of -9 at 1500m, No new snow and light alpine winds.

Sunday: high of -12 at 1500m, light Alpine winds and no new snow.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported in the region on Wednesday but observations are limited this early in the season. If you are recreating in the area please consider filling out a mountain information network report.

Snowpack Summary

Wind slabs will still be found in exposed terrain in the treeline and alpine. A new crust has formed from recent rain and high freezing levels, we expect this crust exists below 1700m.

The mid and lower snowpack contains multiple crusts that seem to be holding strong. 

Snowpack depths are currently around 100 cm below treeline, and shrink rapidly below 1600m. Alpine snowpacks are expected to be 160 to 250 with the deepest snowpacks found around Blue River and Valemont.

Terrain and Travel

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

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Wind slabs in the treeline and alpine will remain reactive to rider traffic. Use extra caution near ridgelines.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: Dec 3rd, 2021 4:00PM