Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 9th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
lbaker,
Avalanche Canada
Approach wind-loaded features with caution and watch for reverse and cross-loading. Northerly winds have created reactive wind slabs.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
A natural wind slab avalanche, size 1.5, was observed at White Pass, east of Big Kahuna, in steep, rocky terrain on Thursday. For more details check out the MIN report!
If you head out in the backcountry please support your community by submitting a MIN report!
Snowpack Summary
Moderate northerly winds and 20 cm of snow are quickly redistributing snow into touchy wind slab pockets in the alpine and exposed areas at treeline. Windslabs overlie hard wind-affected surfaces. A faceting crust is found down 20-50 cm on solar aspects but has not been reactive in tests. The lower snowpack consists of soft, sugary facets and a crust near ground level.
Treeline averages 80 cm of snow. Up to 100 cm of snow is found in the alpine however winds have made distribution variable. Early-season hazards exist at treeline and below such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Cloudy with scattered flurries, 2 cm accumulation, northerly ridge winds 20 - 30 km/h, temperatures drop to -15 at 1500 m.
Saturday
Mainly sunny with a few clouds in the morning. Northerly ridge winds 20 km/h, temperatures continue dropping to -18 at 1500 m.
Sunday
Clear skies in the morning with increasing clouds in the afternoon. Ridge winds southerly 20 - 40 km/h, temperatures rising to - 16 at 1500m.
Monday
Cloudy with scattered flurries, 5 cm accumulation, southerly ridge winds 30 gusting 50 km/h, temperatures rising to - 13 at 1500m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
- Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for wind slab hazard before you commit to it.
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
Problems
Wind Slabs
20 cm of snow is being redistributed by northerly winds and forming reactive slabs at higher elevations. Carefully evaluate each slope for wind slabs and cross-loaded features before committing to it.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 10th, 2022 4:00PM
