Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 1st, 2020 3:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada JMackenzie, Avalanche Canada

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Look to sheltered areas for good skiing. All Alpine areas have been heavily wind affected. Warm and sunny conditions on Wednesday could lead to some snowballing on steep solar aspects.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Wednesday is expected to be mainly sunny with moderate SW winds. Temperatures could climb to above the freezing mark by midday. No snow is in the forecast for at least the next few days.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed.

Snowpack Summary

Alpine areas have been heavily affected by the past week of strong winds and wind slabs are widespread at tree line and above. Ridges and ribs are stripped free of snow while lee and cross-loaded terrain have deep deposits of wind loaded snow. The November crust is down 30-100cm and is producing anywhere from moderate to no results.  

Terrain and Travel

  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
  • Watch for areas of hard wind slab on alpine features.
  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
  • Avoid shallow snowpack areas, rock outcroppings and steep convex terrain where triggering is most likely.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Hard windslabs are widespread in alpine areas and even down into treeline. Listen for that drummy or hollow feel as an indication to be extra careful.    

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

The November crust continues to be the main concern in the snowpack. It is now buried anywhere from 30 to 100cm deep and it could be sensitive to human triggering in steep or unsupported terrain. Shallow snowpack areas may also be a trigger point.  

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Valid until: Dec 2nd, 2020 3:00PM