Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 9th, 2020 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
shorton,
Avalanche Canada
No significant weather for the next few days, but remain cautious in wind-affected terrain and around steep rocky slopes.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
After a weak frontal system on Thursday the weather clears until Sunday evening.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Isolated flurries, light south wind, temperatures drop to -12 C.
THURSDAY: Flurries with up to 5 cm of snow, moderate south wind, high temperatures around -6 C.
FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy, light wind, high temperatures around -6 C.
SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, moderate south wind, high temperatures around -10 C.
Avalanche Summary
There are no recent field observations from White Pass, however last week's storm produced a widespread avalanche cycle (see photos in this MIN report). These storm slabs have likely settled since then, but smaller recent storms may have formed some newer wind slabs.
In drier parts of the region like Wheaton Valley there is potential for small wind slabs to step down to deeper weak layers, resulting in large avalanches.
Snowpack Summary
The snowpack around White Pass is likely settling after a massive storm last week (100 cm of snow and strong southwest wind). Old wind slabs may linger in steep open terrain, and small wind slabs could form during the weak storm on Thursday. Sheltered terrain around White Pass has a total snow depth of roughly 180 cm.
In drier areas such as the Wheaton Valley, total snowpack depths are likely in the 50-150 cm range and are probably quite variable due to wind transport. The base of the snowpack in this area may consist of some weak, sugary facets.
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
- Watch for areas of hard wind slab on alpine features.
- If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recently formed wind slabs may be reactive to human triggers and could step-down to deeper weak layers, resulting in large avalanches.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 11th, 2020 4:00PM
