Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 16th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
jminifie,
Avalanche Canada
If you're getting out there in the cold, keep in mind that being involved in an avalanche in extreme cold temperatures makes for higher consequences.
North winds will deposit any loose snow into new wind slabs through reverse-loading.
Look for higher quality riding in sheltered terrain features well below ridge line.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Our field team reported one size 2 natural wind slab avalanche on a southeast facing alpine feature at 1900m 48-72hrs old.
Thank you for the MIN reports. They are extremely helpful to us! If you head into the backcountry please submit a MIN report!
Snowpack Summary
In general, the snowpack is highly wind affected resulting in a wide variation in snowpack depths. Depths at treeline range from 50 to 125cm. Riding quality is best in sheltered terrain.
The snowpack is somewhat shallow but for the most part settled and well consolidated with no layers of concern being reported.
Weather Summary
Friday night
Cloudy. 5cm of new snow possible as warm and cold air masses collide. Wind northwest at 30km/h and up to 50km/h in the high alpine. Temperatures dropping to -15ËšC.
Saturday
Partly cloudy. Flurries possible. Wind northeast at 20km/h. Temperature hovering around -20ËšC.
Sunday and Monday
Mostly clear. No new snow. Wind northeast at 30km/h. Temperatures steady around -26ËšC
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for areas of hard wind slab on alpine features.
- Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
Problems
Wind Slabs
A good amount of north wind is forecast for the coming days, especially at higher elevations. Pay attention to the snow beneath you and watch for signs of instability including shooting cracks and stiffer, drum-like snow. This will most likely be found directly below ridge lines and on the side walls of steep gullies. Find better quality riding in sheltered terrain features down low.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 17th, 2022 4:00PM
