Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 9th, 2021 3:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada matt, Avalanche Canada

Watch for variable winds that don't match the forecast, today had an unexpected wind pattern that loaded slopes from the north.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

Tomorrow will be cloudy with flurries, but no significant accumulation. Winds will remain westerly, but pick up early afternoon with 60km/hr winds expected at summit elevations. Temperatures will be between -16 and -11.

Some forecasts are suggesting another storm on Saturday. We will see if this happens, but be aware that hazard levels are based on this expected snow.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new today.

Snowpack Summary

Thankfully the crust has been buried with about 10cm at valley bottom and up to 30cm at treeline. It also felt like the crust was a bit softer, or facetted out. Our ski edges could cut into it which helped the ski quality. At about 2150-2200m the crust predictably disappeared and the snowpack felt quite good in sheltered areas. Once in more exposed treeline areas, the windslabs appeared. At the moment immediate lee areas at treeline feel the spookiest. Overall the alpine looks very wind affected, especially on north aspects, but there are some sheltered areas up against the major faces where the wind affect is less.

Terrain and Travel

  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with aspect and elevation.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Fresh wind slabs are forming on all aspects due to variable winds. These will be sensitive to human triggering.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

This will likely be triggered from a thin spot within the snowpack. Watch the transitional areas from thin to thick.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3.5

Valid until: Dec 10th, 2021 3:00PM