Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 24th, 2022 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada trettie, Avalanche Canada

Email

Assess for wind slab and watch for blowing snow as you move through terrain. Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been observed or reported since Monday, Dec 19th.

Continue to support your backcountry community and please consider submitting a MIN report, Your information sharing is vital.

Snowpack Summary

Variable winds over the past few days could have formed new wind slab on all aspects. A variety of surfaces can be found in the alpine including; new wind slab, old hard slab, wind scouring, a crust and even exposed ground. In areas that are protected from the wind up to 20cm of low density faceted snow can be found.

The height of the snowpack is variable. In areas lee of the prevailing wind, depths of up to 150cm can be found. At the lower elevation treeline terrain, snow depths decrease and are estimated at 60 to 90 cm.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Flurries bringing trace amounts of new snow. Moderate easterly winds and a low of -25 at 1200m.

Sunday

Flurries bringing 5 to 10cm of new snow. Moderate to strong southerly winds and a high of -15 at 1200m.

Monday

Flurries bringing around 5cm of new snow with moderate to strong southerly winds. High of -14 at 1200m.

Tuesday

Flurries continue with up to 5cm of new snow possible. Light to moderate southerly winds and a high of -10 at 1200m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for areas of hard wind slab on alpine features.
  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Wind slab could be found on all aspects due to variable winds. The possibility of strong winds mean that wind slab could be found further down slope than expected.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 25th, 2022 4:00PM