Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 28th, 2021 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 TRettie, Avalanche Canada

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Continue to avoid wind loaded pockets in the treeline and above. New touchy but shallow wind slabs could form throughout the day on Wednesday.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

Tuesday night: some light flurries with light to moderate northerly winds at treeline. A possible temperature inversion with temperatures around -18 at 1600m.

Wednesday: light snow throughout the day with up to 5cm expected. moderate west winds at treeline. Temperature inversion with -15 at 1600m.

Thursday: clearing throughout the day and no new snow expected. winds will be moderate from the northwest with a high of -20 at 1600m.

Friday: light southwest winds at treeline with no new snow expected. Possible temperature inversion with -35 at valley bottom and -15 at 1600m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported over the last few days in the region. If you are out in the mountains please consider filling out a Mountain Information Network report.

Snowpack Summary

Wind slab is predominantly found on west aspects but thin slabs could be found on east aspects.

The December 15 surface hoar layer is 10 to 20cm below the surface in sheltered treeline and below . It is likely not a problem yet.

The early December crust can still be found down 70cm at 1800m.

Snowpack depth at treeline typically ranges from 120-220 cm, with higher values in the western part of the region and tapering to the east. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Pay attention to the wind, once it starts to blow fresh sensitive wind slabs are likely to form.
  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

New snow and west winds at treeline on Wednesday could form thin wind slabs on east aspects. Wind slab currently exists on west aspects due to outflow. Avoid "thick to thin" areas where wind slabs could step down to deeper layers.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Dec 29th, 2021 4:00PM