Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 14th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is Wind Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeAvalanche Danger will largely be driven by the wind over the short-term. North winds will deposit any loose snow into new wind slabs through reverse-loading. Look for higher quality riding in sheltered terrain features at lower elevations.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported recently.
Thank you for the MIN reports. They are extremely helpful to us! If you head into the backcountry please submit a MIN report!
Snowpack Summary
In general, the snowpack is highly wind affected resulting in a wide variation in snowpack depths. Depths at treeline range from 50 to 125cm.
Upper Snowpack
20cm of loose snow will be redistributed by north winds and deposited into wind slabs.
Mid-pack
Generally well settled. A mid-November crust and facet layer is down approximately 60cm from the surface and is reportedly bonding well.
Lower-pack
Weak sugary snow (basal facets).
Weather Summary
Wednesday night
Partly starry. No new snow. Winds fro the west-northwest at 25km/h. Temperatures at -5ËC in the alpine.
Thursday
Partly cloudy. No new snow. Winds from the northwest at 40km/h. Temperatures at -7ËC for most of the day.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. Flurries beginning late in the day. Moderate winds from the northwest decreasing through the day. High of -8ËC and a low of -12ËC
Saturday
Mostly cloudy. Up to 5cm of new snow. Winds will vary in direction and speed but expect around 20km/h. Temperature starting at -12ËC and decreasing to -17ËC by the end of the day.
FridayMore details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for areas of hard wind slab on alpine features.
- Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
- Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.
Problems
Wind Slabs
A good amount of north wind is forecast for the coming days. This will result in reverse loading and wind slab formation in places we don't normally expect it. Pay attention to the snow beneath you and watch for signs of instability including shooting cracks and stiffer, drum-like snow. This will most likely be found below ridge lines on the side walls of steep gullies.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 15th, 2022 4:00PM