Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 17th, 2020 4:00PM

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

jesse milner,

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New snow and consistent winds are forecast the next few days. Recently some more aggressive ski lines and exposed ice climbs have been getting attention. The mountains are changing quickly so our terrain choices should follow suit. 

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowy and windy the next few days with cool temps.

Friday: Flurries. 8 cm. High -8 °C. Wind SW. 30 gusting to 55 km/h.

Saturday: Flurries. 6 cm. Low -13 °C, High -8 °C. Wind SW: 30 gusting to 65 km/h.

Sunday: Flurries. 10 cm. Low -13 °C, High -7 °C. Wind W 30 km/h gusting to 75 km/h.

Snowpack Summary

Strong SW winds are creating wind slabs in the alpine and open treeline. The mid snowpack is generally supportive with a weaker base consisting of facets and some locations depth hoar. Average depth is 55cm - 150cm depending on region and elevation.

Avalanche Summary

No new natural avalanche observations.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Friday

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

New snow and moderate to strong winds forming wind slabs on leeward and cross-loaded terrain features.

  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
  • Minimize overhead exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

Be cautious of thick to thin snowpack areas being likely trigger locations. The new windslabs forming have the potential to step down to the weakness at the base of the snowpack.

  • Use caution in thin snowpack areas.
  • If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Valid until: Dec 18th, 2020 4:00PM