Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 12th, 2020 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
JSmith,
Avalanche Canada
Northerly winds may form fresh wind slabs on generally windward aspects that may take riders by surprise this weekend. Use caution when transitioning into wind affected terrain.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.
Weather Forecast
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SATURDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy / Strong, northwest ridgetop wind / alpine low temperature -14 / Freezing level valley bottom.
SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy / Strong, west ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature -10 / Freezing level valley bottom.
MONDAY: Mostly cloudy / Moderate, northwest ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature -9 / Freezing level valley bottom.
TUESDAY: Cloudy with flurries; 0-3 cm. / Strong, west ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature -7 / Freezing level valley bottom.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported in this region on Friday.
On Wednesday, natural and human triggered avalanches were widespread and up to size 2 at treeline and above. Limited propagation was reported, however; these avalanches were running far and fast down the path as the new snow slid on the underlying crust.
Data in this region is very sparse. Please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network.Â
Snowpack Summary
Strong northerly winds continue to form wind slabs on lee features at tree line and above. Up to 30 cm of recent storm snow sits on top of a crust formed in early December.Â
Deeper in the snowpack there are couple of crusts that formed in November. No recent avalanche activity has been reported on the November crusts.
Terrain and Travel
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.
- Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
Problems
Wind Slabs
The recent snow has a poor bond to the underlying crust. Isolated pockets of stiff wind slab could be reactive to human triggers especially where it sits on a widespread crust.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 13th, 2020 4:00PM
