Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Glacier.
Wind slabs exist in the alpine and if triggered could step down to the persistent layer.
Good quality riding can be found at higher elevations, but take your time on the descent through the trees or valley bottom exits, it is still quite rugged with a below-average snowpack.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Several loose dry and small slab avalanches were observed the past few days.
A human-triggered avalanche occurred on Video peak Saturday afternoon involving a group of 3, no injuries reported.
Last week several significant human-triggered avalanches were failing on the Dec 1st surface hoar layer. The most notable avalanches occurred on Balu Pk & Ursus Minor.
Snowpack Summary
5cm of new snow is expected by Tuesday morning. 15-25cm of recent snow and moderate winds have formed wind slabs in the alpine. Below 1800m 10-15cm of snow sits on breakable crust.
The Dec 1 surface hoar, down 50-100cm, continues to produce 'sudden' results in tests and has been the culprit in several recent close calls from skier-triggered avalanches.
Below 2100m, a rain crust is buried 40-50cm deep. In shallow areas the base of the snowpack is faceted and unsupportive.
Weather Summary
A ridge of high pressure will continue to block any significant snowfall from reaching our region. 2-5cm of new snow will fall by Tuesday morning accompanied by 20-35km/hr SW winds. Expect mainly cloudy skies with periods of sun. Temps will gradually warm up, with an alpine high of -5.
No noteworthy snowfall in the foreseeable future :(
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Fresh snow rests on a problematic persistent slab, don't let good riding lure you into complacency.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Winds have redistributed snow in the Alpine. Expect to find it most reactive at ridge top and in lee or cross-loaded features.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
A weak layer of surface hoar down 50-100 cm in the snowpack is at the ideal depth for human triggering and remains reactive. This persistent weak layer has been very slow to bond but seems less reactive below 2100m where it may be bridged by a buried rain crust.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3