Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 13th, 2022 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 isnowsell, Avalanche Canada

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Isolated pockets of consolidated, wind slabs remain reactive, since they are unlikely to be bonding well to the undying weak, sugary snowpack.

Plenty of early season hazards, such as buried rocks and tree stumps still exist.

Summary

Confidence

High

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

Snow surfaces have been redistributed into isolated pockets of windslab in wind exposed terrain at higher elevations. In sheltered areas, with no recent wind effect, loose dry snow can still be found.

The mid and lower snowpack generally consists of sugary faceted, weak snow.

Snowpack depths are highly variable, ranging from 80-180 cm in the alpine. Below treeline the snowpack is thin and generally below the avalanche threshold, making it a challenge to access terrain in many areas without damaging your sled or skis.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Mainly cloudy, with no precipitation. Light to moderate northwest winds and lows of -10 to -20 C in the alpine.

Wednesday

Mainly cloudy, with no precipitation. Light to moderate northwest winds and temperatures of -10 to -20 C in the alpine.

Thursday

Mainly cloudy, with no precipitation. Light northwest winds and temperatures of -5 to -15 C in the alpine.

Friday

A mix of sun and cloud, with a chance of isolated flurries. Light northwest winds and temperatures of -5 to -15 C in the alpine.

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.
  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
  • Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

It is still possible that reactive wind slabs can be found in isolated, wind exposed terrain features (ridges and high points) in the alpine and treeline elevations. Any wind slabs likely overly a sugary and weak lower snowpack, meaning they may easier to trigger and remain reactive longer then usual.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Dec 14th, 2022 4:00PM