Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 18th, 2022 3:15PM

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

Avalanche Canada Dvonk, Avalanche Canada

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We are in the deep freeze. Extra clothing, equipment and choosing objectives with sun may make the outing more bearable. The snowpack continues to suffer from the ongoing cold temps this winter.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No field teams out today, and no reports of avalanche activity.

Snowpack Summary

Like the rest of the region, there isn't a lot of snow. We have 85cm at treeline and the odd pocket of 1m. What really caught our attention was the snowpack variability based on elevation. The surface hoar from last month is very prominent up to about 2100m. This layer will vary from area to area, but be sure to have a look for it as it is notable. The other general statement is how weak and poor the regional snowpack is. There is a theme of a somewhat settled upper snowpack resting on a foundation of facets and growing depth hoar. Where the snowpack failures occur seems to vary in depth, but the failures are very, very consistent in their character. They are failing fast, with little warning. It's easy to get caught up in the semantics of layer types and descriptions, but at the end of the day we have a nasty weak layer that is predictably failing. Do your homework, dig your holes and be sure you have a good grip on your local terrain before you commit to consequential terrain.

Weather Summary

Cold Cold Cold.

Lows of -35 and Day time highs of -28 for the next several days. There may be some sun appearing and the wind thankfully will be light.

No new snow to speak of..

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid slopes that sound hollow or drum-like.
  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

This layer should be monitored as elevation is gained. Despite being labelled as deep, it can be a ways off the ground. Expect this layer to get worse with the incoming cold.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Watch for isolated windslabs in alpine terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 19th, 2022 4:00PM