Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 8th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
Jeff Andrews,
Variable snowfall amounts over the past 24hrs and strong SW winds are cross loading features and creating new wind slabs on northerly aspects tree line and above.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Thursday: Isolated flurries. Accumulation: Trace. Alpine temperature: Low -16 C, High -13 C. Ridge wind W: 20 km/h gust to 50
Friday: Scattered flurries. Precipitation: 5cm. Alpine temperature: Low -15 C, High -12 C. Ridge wind SW: 25-45 km/h
Saturday: Snow: Accumulation: 22cm. Alpine temperature: Low -14 C, High -9 C. Ridge wind SW 20 km/h gust 60
Snowpack Summary
Trace to 10cm new snow from passing squalls being redistributed by moderate to strong SW winds; exposed alpine features continue to be scoured. In sheltered areas 20-40cm settled storm snow sits atop a supportive midpack. Our basal crust/facet/depth hoar combo near the ground remains a layer of concern. Snowpack depth 100-140cm Icefields area.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported. Although natural avalanche activity has tapered off, human triggering of large avalanches remains possible especially in features with variable thin to thick snow depths in the alpine and at treeline. Snowpack tests on Monday produced moderate sudden results on our November deep persistent layer.
Confidence
Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain
Problems
Wind Slabs
Variable amounts of new snow and strong SW winds creating new windslab in lee and crossloaded features. Watch for hollow sounds and cracking. Consider testing smaller slopes before committing to larger features; windslabs could initiate deep layers.
- Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
Natural activity is decreasing however triggering this layer would be a high consequence event - cautious decisions and thorough investigation is necessary.
- Use caution on open slopes and convex rolls
- Avoid thin rocky or unsupported terrain features.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 9th, 2021 4:00PM
