Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 25th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs.
rgoddard,
Avalanche Canada
Weekend snow has produced storm slabs in sheltered areas and wind slabs at higher elevations.
Be aware of 'step down' as buried weak layers may become reactive.
Warming temperatures will increase the avalanche hazard.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Avalanche activity has increased over this past weekend. Neighbouring regions to the immediate east have seen small to large size avalanches. These have been natural and human triggered on storm, wind, and persistent slabs. Avalanche observations in our area have been minimal. A local operator did report triggering a buried weak layer with explosives producing several large avalanches.
New snow and wind have primed the conditions for rider-triggered avalanches. Warmer temperatures will further increase the hazard.
Please consider submitting a MIN report if you head into the backcountry.
Snowpack Summary
Around 20 to 30 cm of new snow and southwest wind are likely forming wind slabs in lee terrain features at higher elevations. Soft snow prevails in sheltered terrain. Slab properties may increase with a warming trend arriving Late Sunday evening and continuing into Monday. This may not bond well to previous surfaces of sugary faceted grains and small surface hoar crystals.
The majority of the snowpack is faceted, with roughly 120 cm found at treeline and less below treeline.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy, up to 5 cm accumulation, 35 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperatures -2 °C with freezing level rising.
Monday
Cloudy with a chance of sunny periods, up to 6 cm in some areas with the possibility of rain, 30 km/h southwest wind gusting to 70, freezing level reaching between 1500 and 2000 m.
Tuesday
Cloudy, 10 to 20 cm accumulation, 20 km/h south gusting to 40, treeline temperatures -2 °C.
Wednesday
Cloudy, 5 to 10 cm accumulation, 15 to 25 km/h wind, treeline temperatures -5 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.
- 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.
- Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
- Extra caution for areas experiencing rapidly warming temperatures for the first time.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Weekend snowfall has produced storm slabs in sheltered areas. The new snow may not bond well to previous surfaces formed during last week's cold spell.
New snow and winds have likely formed wind slabs in lee terrain features at higher elevations.
Be aware that buried weak layers may become reactive if smaller avalanches are triggered above them.
A warming period starting late Sunday evening is likely to increase reactivity.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 26th, 2022 4:00PM
