Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 11th, 2022 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada trettie, Avalanche Canada

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Wind loaded features continue to be the primary concern. Watch for dense pockets of snow around ridgelines. Head to sheltered areas for the best riding conditions.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported in the past few days in the region.

Please continue to share any observations of photos on the Mountain Information Network!

Snowpack Summary

Variable winds throughout this region have redistributed the 20-40 cm of snow received last week into pockets of wind slab at higher elevations. In sheltered areas without wind effect loose dry snow can still be found.

The snowpack below this is generally weak. A layer of surface hoar, facets, and/or melt-freeze crust can be found down 60 to 80cm.

Snowpack depths range from 80cm at treeline to 140 cm in the alpine. Below treeline the snowpack is thin and faceted (weak) making it a challenge to access terrain in many areas without damaging your sled.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Flurries possible with trace amounts of new snow. Light westerly winds. Temperatures -25 at 1800m.

Monday

A mix of sun and cloud with light flurries possible bringing trace amounts of new snow. Light northwest winds increasing throughout the day. Temperatures around -11 at 1800m.

Tuesday

A mix of sun and cloud with moderate westerly winds. Temperatures at 1800m around -9. No snowfall expected.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny with no new snow expected. Moderate northwest wind and temperatures around -10 at 1800m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

As the wind changes direction it is possible that wind slabs could be found on all aspects in exposed terrain at treeline and above.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Dec 12th, 2022 4:00PM

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