Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 23rd, 2014 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.
aaron beardmore,
Avalanche Canada
Mod to strong westerly wind with upwards of 20cm of new snow along the divide will elevate the danger rating on Wednesday.
Summary
Weather Forecast
An additional 20cm is expected tonight with moderate to strong west winds in the alpine. This will elevate the danger rating.
Snowpack Summary
10-20cm of new snow has accumulated on the divide. This new snow has blown around by moderate SW winds to create thin, soft windslabs in the ALP and at TL. These windslabs sit on a surface hoar layer in many areas and will be one to watch in the future. The basal crusts/ facets persist providing a rotten foundation for this new snow.
Avalanche Summary
No avalanche observed or reported today, however, we expect to see a small cycle within the next 24 hours.
Confidence
Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
Natural avalanche activity has subsided but snowpack tests show that the weak facets at the basal level continue to be the big issue. The slab that rests on this weak structure may indicate some strength in places but in fact very little has changed.
- Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.
- Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Strong west wind on Monday night at ridge top has created windslabs in lee areas. These windslabs are between 20 and 40cm thick and easily triggered by skiers/riders.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 24th, 2014 4:00PM
