Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 5th, 2019 5:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada astclair, Avalanche Canada

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Caution as you transition into wind-exposed terrain. Avalanches are possible where winds have transported the recent snow into slabs on lee terrain features at upper elevations.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

Weather Forecast

Thursday night: Clearing skies, no precipitation, light variable winds, alpine temperature -10 C

Friday: Cloudy with periods of sun, no precipitation, light variable winds, alpine high temperature -7 C

Saturday: Mostly clear, no precipitation, light northerly winds, alpine high temperature -7 C

Sunday: Mix of sun and clear, no precipitation, moderate northwest winds, alpine high temperature -5 C

Avalanche Summary

Recent wind slab avalanches up to size 2 were reported in the Bear River Pass area on lee terrain features in the alpine. As snowfall and wind tapers, these wind slabs may remain reactive to human-triggering.

Snowpack Summary

Southwest winds have been transporting the recent snow into wind slabs on lee features at upper elevations. Since Sunday, snow totals in the 20-35 cm range have accumulated across the region, with higher amounts falling further north in areas such as Bear River Pass. With incremental accumulation and ongoing southwest winds, wind slabs are the primary concern. Depending on location, these slabs are likely sitting on a mix of sugary faceted snow, and feathery surface hoar crystals, and hard wind-affected snow that may be reactive to human triggering.

Total snowpack amounts are likely in the 60-140 cm range, tapering quickly at lower elevations.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Southwest winds have likely been transporting the 20-35 cm of recent snow into wind slabs at upper elevations. These slabs are unlikely to bond well with the previous snow surfaces.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 6th, 2019 5:00PM

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