Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 17th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
jleblanc,
Avalanche Canada
Be aware of the potential for reverse loading and encountering wind slabs in places you might not expect them.
If you're getting out in the cold, remember that freezing temperatures make for higher consequences.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No avalanches have been reported in this area recently. If you venture into the backcountry, please consider submitting a MIN report, as it helps to strengthen our data gathering.
Snowpack Summary
The region received 10-15 cm of snow Saturday. This new snow overlies a highly wind-affected surface, including a wide variation in snowpack depths. Exposed alpine areas have been scoured, while lee slopes can see 150 cm.
In sheltered areas at treeline, a layer of surface hoar crystals is found down 20 to 30 cm. Although this layer has not been producing avalanches recently, reverse-loading may increase the likelihood of triggering.
The snowpack is somewhat shallow but, for the most part, settled and well consolidated with no layers of concern being reported.
Weather Summary
An arctic front is sliding throughout the region. Gusty northerly winds and cold temperatures will persist into next week.
Saturday night
Partly cloudy. Isolated flurries. Easterly wind at 30 km/h and up to 50 km/h in the high alpine. Temperatures dropping to -15ËšC.
Sunday
A mix of sun and clouds. No precipitation. Easterly wind at 40 km/h. Temperatures steady around -24ËšC
Monday
Mostly clear. No precipitation. Easterly wind at 30 km/h. Temperatures steady around -26ËšC
Tuesday
Mostly clear. No precipitation. Southeasterly wind at 40 km/h. Temperatures steady around -28ËšC
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
- Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
Problems
Wind Slabs
New snow combined with strong outflow winds will likely create fresh wind slabs on lee slopes and cross-loaded features. They could overlie a weak layer of surface hoar, facets, and/or a crust. Be aware of the potential for reverse loading and encountering wind slabs on slopes you might not expect them.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 18th, 2022 4:00PM
