Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 11th, 2021 4:03PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Storm Slabs.

Lynnea Baker,

Email

15 cm snow and strong SW winds on Saturday has created wind slabs in lees. New windslabs may take time to bond to variable surfaces below. Still not enough snow to ski below treeline.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Sunday: Cloudy with flurries. Accumulation 5 cm. Strong SW winds . Alpine temps High -8. FL valley bottom.

Monday: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Alpine temps High - 4. Light S winds. FL valley 1500m.

Tuesday: Cloudy with flurries. Accumulation 9 cm. Alpine temps High - 4. Moderate SW winds. FL 1500m.

Snowpack Summary

15 cm of new snow since Saturday morning. Strong south west winds are creating 20- 30 cm wind slabs in lees at AL and TL. This overlies a variable surface of stripped rock, 30 cm wind slab and rain crust. Mid and lower pack is cohesive. November melt freeze crusts are 30-20cm above ground. Under 1800m is below threshold.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed. Observations in the area are very limited due to visibility, if you go out into the mountains please share your observations on the Mountain Information Network.

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

15 cm new snow and strong south west winds are creating windslab in lees at alpine and treeline.

  • Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.
  • Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

Expect to see 15 cm storm slabs being reactive  in AL and TL on Sunday. Storm slabs will likely settle out toward the beginning of week.

  • Use caution in alpine and open treeline lees. Recent snowfall has created storm slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Dec 12th, 2021 4:03PM