Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 26th, 2019 4:00PM

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

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Triggering wind slab avalanches is possible around ridge features and other steep alpine terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with isolated flurries bringing 5-10 cm of snow, 30-50 km/h wind from the southwest, alpine temperature drop to -10 C.

FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, 30-40 km/h wind from the west, alpine high temperatures around -4 C. 

SATURDAY: Scattered flurries with 5-15 cm, 40-70 km/h wind from the southwest, alpine high temperatures around -2 C.

SUNDAY: Cloudy, 20-30 km/h wind from the south, alpine high temperatures around -6 C.

Avalanche Summary

There have been no recent reports of avalanche activity.

Snowpack Summary

Flurries and snow will add to the 10-20 cm low density snow around the region. In exposed areas, moderate south-southwesterly winds have redistributed snow and developed wind slabs around ridge features and into the alpine.

Reports suggest there are two buried layers of surface hoar in the upper snowpack, both 25-50 cm below the surface. In windward terrain the snow may be scoured down to a hard crust from November. In leeward terrain, this crust is 40-80 cm deep. Older crusts can be found deeper in the snowpack and are generally breaking down. In areas with a relatively thin snowpack, the base of the snowpack likely consists of weak faceted grains.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
  • Carefully assess open slopes and convex rolls where buried surface hoar may be preserved.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Flurries and recent snow continues to be redistributed by wind. Wind slabs will be most reactive around ridges and in leeward terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 27th, 2019 4:00PM

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