Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 7th, 2022 4:00PM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is high, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

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The incoming storm will create dangerous avalanche conditions. We expect a natural avalanche cycle on Thursday; avoid avalanche terrain unless you have professional level training and experience.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported in our area lately. Keep sharing your observations via the MIN; it helps strengthen our information gathering.

Snowpack Summary

Upper snowpack: around 20 cm of recent snowMid-pack: a softer, weaker layer of less cohesive snow around 40 to 50 cm down. Lower-pack: Further down in the snowpack, there are reports of a thick melt-freeze crust and increasing strength.

At 1000 m the snowpack depth is around 90 cm. Lower treeline and below treeline elevation are still below the threshold for avalanches.

Weather Summary

Wednesday NightIncoming storm delivering 15 to 20 cm overnight with strong southerly winds. Treeline temperature -3 to -5 C. Freezing level around 500m.

Thursday

Another 10 to 20 cm of snow brings storm accumulations around 30 to 40 cm. Moderate southwest wind. Freezing level steady around 500 to 700 m.

Friday

Light snow adding 5 to 10 cm. Light to moderate southwest wind. Freezing level around 500m and around -5 C near the peaks.

Saturday

Continued snow with another 10 cm. Moderate to strong southerly wind. Slightly warmer than Friday.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.
  • Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

Wind loaded slopes will be the most sensitive and dangerous, but many steep slopes will be suspect, even without any wind affect, especially during times of intense snow.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Dec 8th, 2022 4:00PM

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