Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 13th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
isnowsell,
Avalanche Canada
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.
ThursdayMainly cloudy, with no precipitation. Light northwest winds and temperatures of -5 to -15 C in the alpine.
FridayA 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
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
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 14th, 2022 4:00PM
