Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 5th, 2022 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada lbaker, Avalanche Canada

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Seek out sheltered treeline terrain where low-density snow is preserved to find better riding conditions.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday operators in the region reported a natural windslab avalanche cycle to size 2 from the last 24 to 48 hours.

We've had limited reports from the region, however, expect to see avalanche activity increase as snow accumulates more than 20cm in wind-blown areas on Tuesday.

Please consider sharing your observations via the Mountain Information Network to help us and fellow recreationists.

Snowpack Summary

5 to 10 cm of low-density snow has accumulated in sheltered areas at treeline. This overlies faceted surfaces at treeline and a variety of wind-affected surfaces in the alpine.

A weak layer of surface hoar, facets, and melt-freeze crust can be found down 40-80 cm. This layer is more likely to be reactive where wind distribution has created a cohesive slab over it.

Snowpack depths range from 60 cm at treeline to 140 cm in the alpine. Below treeline snowpack is thin and faceted creating an additional challenge when accessing higher areas.

Weather Summary

Monday night

Cloudy skies and flurries begin during the night with widespread accumulation 5-10 cm. Strong ridge winds from the northwest. Alpine temperature -14.

Tuesday

Cloudy with flurries totaling 5-10 cm through most of the region. In localized areas, particularly around the Caribous, high snow-to-liquid ratios could produce enhanced snowfall at upper elevations that may exceed +15 cm.

Valley bottom winds remain light however ridgetop winds are forecast to be moderate gusting strong from the northwest. Alpine temperature low of -12.

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud and isolated flurries, accumulating trace amounts of snow. Moderate west ridge winds. Alpine high temperature -8 and a low of -12.

Thursday

A mix of sun and cloud and isolated flurries, accumulating 2-5 cm. Strong southwest ridge winds. Alpine high temperature -9 and a low of -14.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Fresh wind slabs will likely form throughout the day, diligently watch for changing conditions.
  • Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Strong ridgetop winds are redistributing new snow at high elevations into fresh wind slabs in lees and exposed areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

10-20 cm of new snow and strong winds are adding an additional load to the persistent weak layer. As a cohesive slab builds above the weak layer it may become reactive to natural or human triggers.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: Dec 6th, 2022 4:00PM