Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 7th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs, Persistent Slabs and Loose Dry.
RC,
Avalanche Canada
30-40cm of low-density storm snow is making for some quality skiing and riding!
Don't let the powdery conditions obscure your avalanche awareness. Storm slabs are still present at higher elevations in exposed terrain features.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
A small natural avalanche cycle occurred yesterday in very steep, predominantly north-facing terrain in the Alpine. Cheops North 4 was directly observed (size 2, storm slab) stopping just short of the creek. Mt MacDonald had several size 1.5-2 storm slabs in the Highway Corridor, stopping begin fan.
Snowpack Summary
30-40cm of new low-density storm snow buries the Dec 5th layer consisting of surface hoar and facets. Low-density storm slabs will likely be found in steep exposed start zones in the Alpine. The Nov 17th Surface Hoar is now buried 50-80cm below the surface and may become more reactive with the additional load.
Weather Summary
Thursday we are expecting another 5cm of new snow, bringing the storm snow total to ~45cm. Winds should be light to moderate from the SW, and temperatures are gradually increasing. Friday and into the weekend, we are expecting flurries, cool temps, and light winds.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Loose avalanches may start small but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.
- Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
- Storm snow and wind is forming touchy slabs. Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline.
Problems
Storm Slabs
30-40cm of low-density new snow accompanied by moderate to strong SW winds built fresh storm slabs in exposed start zones at higher elevations. Storm slabs were most reactive on Northerly aspects in the Alpine. The storm snow overlies the Dec 5th layer which consists of facets and surface hoar.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
The Nov 17 surface hoar is down 50-80cm and most prevalent around tree line. The surface hoar continues to give 'sudden' results in snowpack tests.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
Approximately 35cm of dry, low-density storm snow sits on the Dec 5th layer (surface facets and surface hoar). Expect fast sluffing in steep, confined terrain, potentially digging deeper into the facets and accumulating enough mass to bury a person.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 8th, 2022 4:00PM
