Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 26th, 2021 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada TRettie, Avalanche Canada

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Continue to assess the wind slab hazard before committing to steep features. Wind slabs are becoming less reactive but they are still possible, especially near ridge crests.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Sunday night: moderate to strong outflow winds will continue at all elevations with a low of -25 at 900m. No new snow is expected.

Monday: up to 10cm is expected in the morning with light t west winds at treeline. A high of -17 at 900m.

Tuesday: Sunny with a high of -14 at 900m. winds will be light from the north at treeline.

Wednesday: light snow throughout the day with moderate southwest winds at treeline. High of -14 at 900m.

Avalanche Summary

Loose dry avalanches up to size 2 in steep terrain continue to be reported in the region. Two wind slabs up to size 2 were observed at 1200m on southwest aspects on Saturday.

Snowpack Summary

Moderate to strong outflow winds at all elevations have scoured east aspects and formed wind slab on west aspects.

Another surface hoar layer was buried recently , it is not a problem yet.

The December 18th surface hoar/facet layer is down 30cm, the surface hoar was observed up to 12mm in both the treeline and below . It is likely only a problem in isolated locations in the treeline where wind slab has formed above it.

The December 7 persistent weak layer is now typically down 100cm and has not produced avalanches in over a week.

Snowpack depths vary greatly across the region, expect to find anywhere from 100-300 cm of snow around treeline.

Terrain and Travel

  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
  • Loose avalanches may start small but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.
  • Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for wind slab hazard before you commit to it.
  • Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Moderate to strong outflow winds at all elevations have loaded westerly slopes and cross loaded north and south. Sensitivity to triggering will be greatest near ridge crests and in isolated areas where wind slab has formed over surface hoar in the treeline and below.

Aspects: North, South, South West, West, North West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 27th, 2021 4:00PM