Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 28th, 2020 4:00PM

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

Darren vonk,

Email

Good skiing can be found in sheltered locations at all elevations. Remember, with moderate avalanche danger, human triggered avalanches are still possible. investigate and assess each slope before committing to the line.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A mix of sun and cloud on Tuesday with Alpine highs of -9

Wednesday will bring a small refresh of 5cm with light SW winds and Alpine highs of -10

Snowpack Summary

15-30cm of soft snow or dense wind-slabs location dependent over a generally firm mid-pack. Dec. Surface Hoar is down 40cm in isolated sheltered spots and reactive to skier traffic. An early season crust is down 40-100cm and decomposing. It overlies basal facets and depth hoar but is well bridged by the mid-pack above unless shallow location.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed with a road patrol to parkers.

Confidence

Problems

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

In the alpine hard slabs sit overtop of facets. Dec 14th surface hoar to 6mm can be found in sheltered locations up to 2000m and is reactive to skier traffic.

  • Be aware of the potential for avalanches due to buried surface hoar in isolated areas.
  • Whumphing, shooting cracks and recent avalanches are all strong indicators of an unstable snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

Be cautious of thick to thin snowpack areas being likely trigger locations. The wind slabs or persistent slabs have the potential to step down to the weakness at the base of the snowpack.

  • If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
  • Use caution in thin snowpack areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 3.5

Valid until: Dec 29th, 2020 4:00PM