Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 16th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
Cory Boschman,
The avalanche hazard is slowly decreasing thanks to a mostly benign weather pattern. It's a great time to get out in the hills. Remember to be well prepared though, the days are short and the nights are cold.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Friday: A mix of sun and cloud. Precipitation: Nil. High -16 °C. Ridge wind west: 10 km/h.
Saturday: Cloudy with scattered flurries. Accumulation: 5 cm. Low -19 °C, High -13 °C. Ridge wind southwest: 15-25 km/h.
Sunday: A mix of sun and cloud. Precipitation: Nil. Low -22 °C, High -13 °C. Ridge wind light to 25 km/h.
Snowpack Summary
Moderate SW winds and small amounts of new snow over the week have formed wind slabs in alpine and treeline areas. Mid snowpack has settled well with a 2cm crust present below the recent snow up to 1950m. Another crust near the base of the snowpack continues to promote basal faceting adding to deep persistent slab concerns.
Avalanche Summary
MIN report from Tues relaying obs of numerous dry loose Weeping Wall - some triggering slab pockets and gaining mass. Explosive work on Monday at Marmot Ski Resort triggered 2 size 2 full depth avalanches on the November 5 basal weakness.
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Confidence
Due to the number of field observations
Problems
Wind Slabs
Colder temps and calming winds are reducing this problem, but continue to use caution in lee features and near ridge crests.
- Watch for stiffer feeling snow. Avoid areas that appear wind loaded.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
Triggering this layer would be a high consequence event - cautious decisions and thorough investigation is necessary. More likely to trigger this layer in transitions from thin snowpack to deeper loaded pockets or terrain features.
- Use caution on open slopes and convex rolls
- Use caution in thin snowpack areas.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 17th, 2021 4:00PM
