Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 10th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
wlewis,
Avalanche Canada
Wind loaded features continue to be the primary concern. Watch for dense pockets of snow around ridgelines, slabs may sit over a weak layer.
Head to sheltered areas for the best riding conditions.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been observed or reported in this region. However, note that we have had very few field observations. Please consider filling out a Mountain Information Network report if you are heading to the backcountry.
Snowpack Summary
Recent new snow has been redistributed by southwest winds forming wind slab. On south facing slopes this new snow has fallen on a sun crust and in sheltered terrain it sits over a layer of weak surface hoar.
Buried 30 to 50cm deep, a layer of surface hoar, crust, and faceted crystals is a layer of concern. Observations are limited in this region but this layer has already produced avalanches in the neighboring regions.
Snowpack depths at upper treeline are generally less than a meter.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Cloudy with up to 5cm of new snow. Easing southerly winds. Freezing level below valley bottom.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy. Flurries in the morning bringing trace amounts of new snow and then clearing in the afternoon. Alpine high of -6. Light easterly winds.
Monday
Mostly cloudy with the possibility of light flurries bringing trace amounts of new snow. Alpine high of -9. Light easterly winds.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. No snow expected. Alpine high of -9. Light easterly winds.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
- Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
Problems
Wind Slabs
New snow from Friday night and wind brings fresh potential for wind slab formation. These can likely be found on west, north and east facing terrain at treeline and above. Take care around ridgelines
In sheltered areas at treeline these wind slabs could overlie a layer of surface hoar.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 11th, 2022 4:00PM
