Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 16th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
jminifie,
Avalanche Canada
Yukoners are tough and some will still get out into the mountains during this cold snap. Keep in mind that extreme cold temperatures increase the consequences of an avalanche involvement so it's a good time to choose terrain wisely.
Expect to find wind slabs on all aspects, especially at higher elevations.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
No reports of recent avalanche activity. Although it is likely natural wind slab activity continues at higher elevations until the snow and winds taper by Friday morning.
Snowpack Summary
Recent strong to extreme southwest winds have redistributed the new snow. Scouring ridges and highpoints at upper elevations, while creating deep, loaded pockets on northerly terrain, up to 150 cm. A shift in winds to the north on Friday will move available snow back to south aspects and potentially create new slabs. Note that in extreme cold temperatures, it can take wind slab longer than usual to heal and bond to the snow below it.
A crust exists down about 20cm at treeline. The mid and lower snowpack is generally facetted and well-settled.
Treeline snow depth range from 60 to 90 cm.
Weather Summary
Friday night
Clearing. Wind north at 40km/h. Temperatures at -22˚C.
Saturday to Monday
Cold and clear. Wind from the north up to 40km/h. Temperatures down to -29˚C with wind chill making it feel like -38˚C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
- Expect slab conditions to change drastically as you move into wind exposed terrain.
- Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs exist on north facing features after a snowy and windy week in White Pass. Winds will shift north today and create wind slabs on south facing features also. Keep in mind that wind slabs can take longer to heal and bond during periods of extreme cold temperatures.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 17th, 2022 4:00PM
