Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 21st, 2021 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada TRettie, Avalanche Canada

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Continually assess for wind slab as you move through the terrain. Tuesday's weather will likely build new wind slab. Hazard in the South will likely be higher, if you observe more than 25cm of new snow consider the alpine and treeline hazard to be considerable.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

Tuesday night: moderate to strong Northwest winds with 10 to 30cms. Possible Westerly winds in the South of the region. Low of -15 at 1300m.

Wednesday: the north of the region will see moderate Northeast winds with some flurries and a high of -16 at 1300m. The South will see moderate West winds with up to 40cm of new snow in the Renshaw area. High of -12 at 1300m.

Thursday: some light flurries with light winds. High of -16 at 1300m.

Friday: no new snow expected. Light winds and a high of -21 at 1300m.

Avalanche Summary

On Tuesday our field team observed loose dry avalanches up to size 1.5 in steep terrain and one natural storm slab in rocky unskiable terrain while in the McBride area.

Snowpack Summary

Wind direction has varied over the last few days. Wind slab could exist on all aspects as a result. New wind slab will likely build on Tuesday on Southerly aspects.

 

A new surface hoar layer up to size 4 has just been buried.

Snowpack depth at treeline typically ranges from 50-250 cm, with the shallower value mainly on the eastern side of the range. The alpine snowpack typically ranges from 150-250 cm.

Terrain and Travel

  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

The recent wind and new snow will likely build new wind slab on Southerly aspects. This is in addition to old wind slab on all aspects that could still be rider triggerable near ridge crests and cross loaded features. Avalanche hazard will be greatest near Renshaw where the most snowfall is forecasted.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 22nd, 2021 4:00PM