Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 15th, 2021 1:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
JSmith,
VIAC
Shifting wind directions on Thursday may form fresh wind slabs on numerous aspects.
Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.
Weather Forecast
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy / Light, northwesterly winds / Low of -5 C / Freezing level 500 m.
THURSDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Moderate, northwesterly winds / High of 0 C / Freezing level 700 m.
FRIDAY: Increasing cloudiness / Light, westerly winds / High of -3 C / Freezing level 500 m.
SATURDAY: Snow/rain; 40-60 mm / Extreme, southwesterly winds / High of 3 C / Freezing level rising to 1600 m.
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanches have been reported in this region.
Snowpack Summary
Shifting wind directions on Thursday may form fresh wind slabs on numerous aspects.
The major layer in the snowpack is a crust down 60-90 cm that was formed in early December. Small facets (sugary snow crystals) have been reported on this crust that have the potential to create a persistent slab problem. No avalanches have been reported on this layer.
Early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks remain at lower elevations.
Terrain and Travel
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
- Avoid terrain traps where the consequence of any avalanche could be serious.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Shifting wind directions on Thursday may form fresh wind slabs reactive to human triggers on numerous aspects.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 16th, 2021 1:00PM
