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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 14th, 2021–Dec 15th, 2021

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

South Coast.

Forecast strong, southerly winds on Wednesday are expected to form wind slabs on lee features at treeline and above.

 Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain. 

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with isolated flurries; 0-3 cm / Moderate, southwesterly winds / Low of -2 C / Freezing level 500 m.

WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with flurries; 3-5 cm / Strong, southerly winds / High of 3 C / Freezing level 1000 m.

THURSDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Moderate, northwesterly winds / High of 1 C / Freezing level 500 m.

FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light, westerly winds / High of 1 C / Freezing level 500 m.

Avalanche Summary

Small (size 1) rider triggered wind slabs were reported in this region on Monday.

Snowpack Summary

Forecast strong, southerly winds on Wednesday are expected redistribute the 10-15 cm of recent snow into wind slabs on lee features at treeline and above.

30-40 cm of recent snow has buried the early December crust layers. The snowpack is generally well-settled and strong below these layers. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.
  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
  • Avoid terrain traps where the consequence of any avalanche could be serious.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.