Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 4th, 2022 4:00PM

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

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After many windy and cold days, the best riding is likely in terrain sheltered from the wind.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported, but observations are limited this time of year. If you do head into the backcountry please submit a MIN report!

Snowpack Summary

The upper snowpack has been heavily wind affected, with hard wind slabs found on all aspects. Sustained cold temperatures have likely softened the snow surface in wind-sheltered terrain. Roughly 70 to 90 cm can be found at treeline in White Pass. Upwards of 100 cm may exist in wind-loaded areas. The lower snowpack consists of soft, sugary facets and a crust near ground level.

Weather Summary

Sunday night

Partly cloudy, no precipitation, 20 km/h wind from the northwest, alpine temperatures around -6 °C.

Monday

Mostly cloudy, no precipitation, 20 to 30 km/h wind from the northwest, mild inversion with alpine temperatures around -2 °C.

Tuesday

Cloudy, isolated flurries with trace amounts of snow, 30 to 40 km/h wind from the southwest, alpine temperatures around -8 °C.

Wednesday

Cloudy, scattered flurries with 5 to 10 cm of snow, 40 to 60 km/h wind from the south, alpine temperatures around -6 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • The best and safest riding will be on slopes that have soft snow without any slab properties.
  • Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Lingering wind slabs are likely becoming challenging to trigger, but may still exist in steep terrain below ridgecrests.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Dec 5th, 2022 4:00PM