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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 20th, 2022–Dec 21st, 2022
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Field.

Strong Easterly gap wind is creating wind slabs at tree line and below on Tuesday with a classic Yoho blow. Ice climbers should be wary of approaching ice climbs with open slopes.

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches were observed or reported on Tuesday.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is shallow and weak with a base of facets and depth hoar. A 20-60 cm slab overlies this weak base and could easily be triggered in some locations. Loose, faceted sluffs are being triggered below treeline in some locations and any avalanches that do release will run further than expected with the cohesion-less snow.

Weather Summary

Bitter cold with lows close to -35 on Wednesday. The wind will continue into the strong range from the East on Tuesday. A warming trend with some snow is expected over the weekend.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Uncertainty is best managed through conservative terrain choices at this time.

Avalanche Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

A 20-60 cm slab overlies weak basal facets which continue to get weaker each day. No recent natural avalanches have been observed, but we expect human triggering to remain possible on large slopes. This problem will be around for the foreseeable future.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

Wind Slabs

Strong easterly gap wind on Tuesday is forming wind slabs at tree line and below in the Field area. Weather station wind data shows lower wind speeds in the alpine and less likely to form fresh wind slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2