Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 17th, 2020 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
jesse milner,
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
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
Expected Size
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
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 18th, 2020 4:00PM
