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 Storm Slabs.
rgoddard,
Avalanche Canada
A warming trend is likely to increase the reactivity of fresh storm slabs and wind slabs.
Be aware of 'step down' as avalanche activity may increase.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
Few to no avalanche reports throughout our region. It is expected that with the recent snow, increased winds, and warming temperatures, this will change and avalanche activity to increase with the hazard.
Please continue to share any observations or photos on the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
Weekend snowfall amounts total of up to 65 cm. Expect to find fresh wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline from strong winds, initially from the southeast, then switching to the southwest. In more sheltered areas, the new snow will have formed a storm slab. Slab properties may increase with Monday's warming trend. New snow may not bond well to previous surfaces that include small surface hoar crystals, sugary faceted grains, and hard wind-packed snow.
The snowpack is still fairly thin and faceted, with roughly 130 cm at treeline.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy, trace to 8 cm cm accumulation, 25 to 35 km/h southwest wind gusting to 65, freezing level to 1700 m.
Monday
Mostly cloudy, 5 to 15 cm accumulation with rain in some areas, 25 to 45 km/h southwest wind with gusts up to 70, freezing level getting up to 1700 m.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy with a chance of sun, up to 12 cm accumulation in southern areas with less in the north, 25 km/h southeast wind, treeline temperatures -5 to -8 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy, 3 to 8 cm accumulation, 25 to 2- km/h southwest wind, treeline temperatures -7 °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.
- Watch for changing conditions today, storm slabs may become increasingly reactive.
- Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeply buried weak layers resulting in very large avalanches.
- Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.
- Extra caution for areas experiencing rapidly warming temperatures for the first time.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Weekend snow that came in cold and light will be affected by a warm up. This will promote the formation of slabs and will likely increase avalanche activity. New snow may not bond well to previous surfaces and could be easily triggered by riders.
Recent snow will begin to be redistributed at higher elevations by southwest winds creating wind slabs.
Possible buried weak layers could be triggered by avalanches in motion and result in large scale avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 26th, 2022 4:00PM
