Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 15th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs, Deep Persistent Slabs and Loose Dry.
Jeff Andrews,
Quality riding still being found in sheltered areas. Ice climbers be wary of overhead exposure; recent dry loose activity observed on the Weeping Wall.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Thursday: Isolated flurries with trace of new. Alpine temps high -13 C; low - 17 C. Winds light from the north.
Friday: Clear - alpine temps high -17 C; low -21 C. Winds light west.
Saturday: Flurries with up to 6cm new: Alpine temps high -11 C; low -19 C. Winds light SW.
Flurries continue on Sunday with an additional 6cm forecast.
Snowpack Summary
Moderate SW winds persisting adding to windslab alpine and treeline. Potential for some past loading southerly aspects from N winds Monday. Mid snowpack has settled well with a 2cm crust present below the recent snow up to 1950m. Another crust near the base of the snowpack continues to promote basal faceting adding to deep persistent slab concerns.
Avalanche Summary
MIN report from Tues relaying obs of numerous dry loose Weeping Wall - some triggering slab pockets and gaining mass. Explosive work on Monday at Marmot Ski Resort triggered 2 size 2 full depth avalanches on the November 5 basal weakness.
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Confidence
Problems
Wind Slabs
SW winds continue to build slabs treeline and above - isolated pockets possible on S aspects from Monday's N winds. Watch for hollow sounds and cracking. Test smaller slopes before committing to larger features; windslabs could initiate deep layers.
- Watch for stiffer feeling snow. Avoid areas that appear wind loaded.
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
Triggering this layer would be a high consequence event - cautious decisions and thorough investigation is necessary. More likely to trigger this layer in transitions from thin snowpack to deeper loaded pockets or terrain features.
- Use caution in thin snowpack areas.
- Use caution on open slopes and convex rolls
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
Numerous dry loose reported via MIN on Weeping Wall Tuesday - some triggering pockets of slab and gaining mass. Ice climbers be wary of overhead exposure.
- Be careful of loose dry sluffing in steep, confined or exposed terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 16th, 2021 4:00PM
