Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 27th, 2021 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada TRettie, Avalanche Canada

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Carefully assess the wind slab hazard before committing to a feature. Recent west winds could have reloaded east facing slopes.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

Monday night: winds will return to northerly with no new snow expected. low of -20 at 900m. Outflow winds will continue at valley bottom.

Tuesday: Sunny with a high of -16 at 900m in the afternoon. winds will be light to moderate from the north at treeline. Strong outflow will continue at valley bottom.

Wednesday: light snow throughout the day with moderate southwest winds in the alpine. High of -17 at 900m.

Thursday: no new snow expected and moderate north winds ain the alpine. High of -16 at 900m.

Avalanche Summary

Loose dry avalanches up to size 2 in steep terrain continue to be reported in the region. Two wind slabs up to size 2 were observed at 1200m on southwest aspects on Saturday.

Snowpack Summary

Winds have varied in direction over the past few days. Wind slab could be found on all aspects as a result.

Another surface hoar layer was buried recently , it is not a problem yet.

The December 18th surface hoar/facet layer is down 30cm, the surface hoar was observed up to 12mm in both the treeline and below . It is likely only a problem in isolated locations in the treeline where wind slab has formed above it.

The December 7 persistent weak layer is now typically down 100cm and has not produced avalanches in over a week.

Snowpack depths vary greatly across the region, expect to find anywhere from 100-300 cm of snow around treeline.

Terrain and Travel

  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
  • Loose avalanches may start small but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.
  • Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for wind slab hazard before you commit to it.
  • Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Wind direction has varied over the last couple days, wind slab could be found on all aspects as a result. Sensitivity to triggering will be greatest near ridge crests and in isolated areas where wind slab has formed over surface hoar at treeline and below. Wind slab could also be found at low elevations as a result of ongoing outflow winds.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 28th, 2021 4:00PM