Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 30th, 2020 3:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
Mikey,
Avalanche Canada
Very good skiing can be found in sheltered areas. Be alert for wind slabs as you transition into the alpine.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
Thursday is expected to bring moderate westerly winds in the alpine with a high of -7c. Skies will be a mix of sun and cloud with maybe the odd flurry.
Avalanche Summary
Skied up the Commonwealth drainage today and did not see any new avalanches in the valley or on our drive.
Snowpack Summary
Generally a strong snowpack. The alpine consists of a couple of generations of wind slabs. The first being the surface wind slabs(top 10cm) that have formed in the last couple of days. The second wind slab is below the surface one which goes down about 30-40cm which was formed during the strong variable Christmas winds. Approach alpine features with wind slabs on your mind. The Dec. 7 and Dec 15 layers are about 40 to 80cm down and are still identifiable but mostly unreactive. The November 5 crust is mostly a concern for triggering in steep shallow areas where the facets overtop of the Nov. crust are much more prominent
Terrain and Travel
- Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
- Avoid convexities, steep unsupported terrain and rocky outcroppings.
Problems
Wind Slabs
This wind slab if referring to the surface wind slab and the buried wind slab up to 40cm down. In steep and unsupported terrain, they could be sensitive to human triggering.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
Be extra cautious near steep rocky features where the facets overtop of the November 5 crust are more prominent.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 31st, 2020 3:00PM
