Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 5th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
dsaly,
Avalanche Canada
Continually assess the wind effect as you move through terrain. Variability in wind speed and direction has created unusual loading patterns.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.
Weather Forecast
SUNDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries. Decreasing southwest wind, 10-20 km/hr. Alpine low temperature -20 C. Freezing level valley bottom.Â
MONDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries clearing through the day. Light and variable wind 10-15 km/hr. Alpine high temperature -10 C. Freezing level valley bottom.Â
TUESDAY: Sunny with increasing cloud cover. Increasing southwest wind gusting to 50 km/hr. Alpine high temperature -12 C. Freezing level valley bottom.Â
WEDNESDAY: Snow begins in the early morning, 5-10 cm accumulation. Southwest wind, 50-60 km/hr. Alpine high temperature -10 C. Freezing level below 1000 m.Â
Avalanche Summary
The latest avalanche report is from Thursday Dec 2, when 2 very large (size 3) avalanches were reported in the southern part of the range. One failed naturally on a south aspect and the other was triggered by a natural cornice failure on a North aspect. Both avalanches ran on the November 4th crust/facet layer which can be found down 180cm in this area.
Snowpack Summary
Around treeline and above, pockets of wind slab are found in lee features, with fun powder in protected areas and depressions. Open areas and higher elevations are windswept and hold little snow. The early December crust exists below 1800 m on all aspects and has 10-30 cm of low density snow above it.
Our field team found a spotty layer of surface hoar down 55 cm near Barkerville. It's still early, and we're gathering snowpack observations, but its recommended you dig down and investigate this layer if you're riding around there.
The November 4 facet/crust combo can be found in the alpine down 150-250 cm. Snowpack depths in the alpine are between 200-300 cm.
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For an indepth look into the recent weather, current snowpack and our thoughts for the future visit the Forecasters Blog.
Terrain and Travel
- Be careful as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Winds have been changing direction over the last few days. Wind slab could exist on all alpine aspects and steep alpine-like features at treeline. Sensitivity to triggering will be greatest where wind slab has formed above the recent crust.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 6th, 2021 4:00PM
