Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 21st, 2020 3:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada jmacpherson, Avalanche Canada

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Avoid Avalanche terrain. An avalanche cycle will be on going.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

Snow will increase throughout Monday evening right in to Tuesday could bring 20-40cm all with moderate winds switching from the South to the north.  

Avalanche Summary

A few natural slab avalanche up to size 2 on all aspects except for west aspects from yesterday. Limited observation due to visibility today but no sluffing from steep terrain observed

Snowpack Summary

Up to 5cm of new snow over night, 30-80cm overlying the Dec 8th surface hoar, facet, crust interface. Widespread wind affect in Alpine in to tree line features. Caution for reverse loading with the strong North winds. Settlement in the upper snow pack might make it more sensitive to skier traffic around tree line features.

Terrain and Travel

  • Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.
  • Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain, avalanches may run surprisingly far.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

20-40 of new snow over the past day and 20-40cm of snow expected from this new wave would bring the new snow to 40-80cm. Storm slabs will be widespread and sensitive to triggering. 

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Very Likely - Almost Certain

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Previously buried wind slabs will become more reactive with load.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

Might become reactive with larger loads and larger triggers like cornices.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2.5 - 3.5

Valid until: Dec 22nd, 2020 3:00PM

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