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 Wind Slabs.
rbuhler,
Avalanche Canada
Observations have been very limited but wind slabs are expected to be reactive and extra caution is recommended in wind-exposed terrain.
If you're out in the mountains, please consider submitting a MIN and let us know what you're seeing.
Summary
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported recently but observations have been very limited.
Continue to support your backcountry community and please consider submitting a MIN report.
Snowpack Summary
Variable winds over the past few days may have formed new wind slabs on all aspects. A variety of surfaces can be found in the alpine including new wind slabs, old hard slabs, wind scouring, a crust, and even exposed ground. In areas that are protected from the wind, up to 20 cm of low-density faceted snow can be found at the surface.
The height of the snowpack is variable. In areas lee of the prevailing wind, depths of up to 150 cm can be found. At the lower elevation treeline terrain, snow depths decrease and are estimated at 60-90 cm.
Weather Summary
A weak storm system is expected to impact the region Sunday night into Monday.
Sunday night
Snowfall 5-15 cm, moderate to strong SE-S wind, treeline low around -16 °C.
Monday
Snowfall 4-8 cm, moderate to strong SE-S wind, treeline high around -12 °C.
Tuesday
Mainly cloudy with lingering flurries in the morning and a chance of sunny breaks in the afternoon, moderate S wind, treeline high around -10 °C.
Wednesday
Mainly cloudy with a chance of sunny breaks, light to moderate SW wind, treeline high around -10 °C.
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.
- Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs should be anticipated on all aspects in exposed terrain due to recent variable winds with ongoing light snow accumulations. The possibility of strong winds means that wind slabs could be found further down slopes than typically expected.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 26th, 2022 4:00PM
