Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 19th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.
rgoddard,
Avalanche Canada
If you're brave enough to endure the cold make sure to keep in mind our buried weak layer.
Cold temperatures and shorter days should play a role in your trip plan.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
At this writing, no new avalanches have been reported in the last 24 hours.
The mid-November layer is still a layer of concern and has the potential to produce large destructive avalanches. Cold temperatures and little snowfall are not likely going to help heal this layer.
Snowpack Summary
In the alpine and at treeline, wind slabs and up to 10 cm of low-density snow make up the top layer of the snowpack. This overlies a variety of surfaces, ranging from hard old wind slabs at upper elevations to soft, unconsolidated facets in sheltered areas.
The main layer of concern is the mid-November layer, which is made up of either surface hoar, facets, or crusts. It is now buried 40 to 80 cm deep. Avalanche activity on this layer has tapered off but it is likely still possible to trigger this layer in isolated terrain features near treeline.
Alpine snowpack distribution is variable, with depths ranging from 70 to 140 cm.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Clear, no accumulation, 10 km/h west wind, temperature -28 C at 1500 m.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud, trace accumulation, 10 km/h east winds, temperature -25 C at 1500 m.
Wednesday
Sunny with cloudy periods, no accumulation, 15 km/h northeast wind, temperature -32 C at 1500 m.
Thursday
A mix of sun and cloud, no accumulation, 10 km/h southeast winds, -25 to - 30 C at 1500 m..
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid open slopes and convex rolls at and below treeline where weak layers may be preserved.
- Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
- Keep in mind that human triggering potential persists as natural avalanching tapers off.
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
Problems
Persistent Slabs
A layer of surface hoar, facets and, a crust from mid november is buried around 40 cm deep but can be found down as much as 80 cm. This layer is most likely to be rider triggerable on slopes at treeline where the snow above feels stiff and consolidated. Avalanche activity on this layer has been decreasing over the week but it's not likely to go away with the continuing cold temperatures.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Wind slab could be found on all aspects in the alpine. These slabs could be more reactive where they overlie facets. If triggered the likelihood of large avalanches being produced is high if they "step down" to the buried weak layers.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 20th, 2022 4:00PM
