Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 23rd, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs, Loose Dry and Deep Persistent Slabs.
Jeff Andrews,
Hwy 93 is closed - avalanche control is planned for Friday December 24 with estimated opening 1800hrs. Call or click 511 for details.
New wind slab and extreme cold temps should be on your mind when you venture out.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Precipitation and winds will taper off Thursday night as the Arctic high settles in.
Friday
Isolated flurries
Accumulation: trace
Alpine temperature: High -19 C.
Ridge wind light.
Freezing level at valley bottom.
Saturday
Flurries.
Accumulation: 4 cm.
Alpine temperature: Low -31 C, High -24 C.
Ridge wind light east.
Clearing Sunday with more extreme cold.
Snowpack Summary
20-35cm (25mm) low density storm snow over the past 48 hrs accompanied by moderate to strong SW winds adding to wind slab development in the alpine and on exposed terrain features at treeline. The mid-pack is supportive with a weak rain crust up to 1950m. Cold temperatures and a crust/facet layer near the base continues to promote basal faceting.
Avalanche Summary
Limited visibility icefields area - one size 2 deep persistent 1m deep by 75m wide observed likely triggered by cornice N alpine feature; a few wind slabs noted to size 1.5 northerly aspects alpine; numerous dry loose to size 1.5 all elev
Please share your trip report, Ice and/or Riding conditions on Avalanche Canada's, Mountain Information Network
Confidence
Problems
Wind Slabs
Up to 35cm new snow in the past 48 hrs with moderate to strong winds building wind slabs on lee and cross loaded features. Slab development not isolated to ridgecrest and can be found low in terrain features from the strong to extreme winds Dec 21.
- Use caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.
- Watch for stiffer feeling snow. Avoid areas that appear wind loaded.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
Dry loose cycle will persist for the short term from steep terrain.
- Avoid travelling on ledges and cliffs where sluffing may have severe consequences.
- Be careful of loose dry power sluffing in steep, confined or exposed terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
This problem although stubborn persists in isolated alpine terrain and can initiate with a large trigger or rapid loading. Use extra caution in thin areas were humans are most likely to trigger this high consequence layer.
- Use caution in thin snowpack areas.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 24th, 2021 4:00PM
