Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 14th, 2020 3:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
Mikey,
Avalanche Canada
Conditions are changing. Expect wind slabs in the alpine with the strong SW winds that are forecast for Tuesday.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
Tuesday is expected to have a high of -10c with 80km/h SW winds in the alpine. Snow is forecast to start around mid-day on Tuesday and could deliver upwards of 20cm by Thursday.
Avalanche Summary
Several loose dry were observed today in the Black Prince area and started in steep unskiable cliffs.
Snowpack Summary
Winds are expected to increase to 80km/h on Tuesday. Expect wind slabs in the alpine, especially just behind ridge crests and lee features. One concern with this slabbing is that it will sit on top on a 1cm crust that was formed 10 days ago during the warm spell and could release on this crust. Approach the alpine with caution and take the time to dig and look at this bond. The November 5 crust is about 60cm down and is showing faceting around it.
Terrain and Travel
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Pockets of wind slab can be found in lee and cross-loaded terrain. Some of these are very dense, hard slabs. When the winds pick up, expect new slabs to form quickly.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
There seems to be lots of variability with this layer. As always, thin areas transitioning to localized wind loaded pockets will be more sensitive.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 15th, 2020 3:00PM
