Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 15th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
jminifie,
Avalanche Canada
Avalanche Danger will largely be driven by the wind over the short-term. North winds will deposit any loose snow into new wind slabs through reverse-loading. Look for higher quality riding in sheltered terrain features well below ridge line.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
Our field team reported one size 2 natural wind slab avalanche on a southeast facing alpine feature 24-48hrs old.
Thank you for the MIN reports. They are extremely helpful to us! If you head into the backcountry please submit a MIN report!
Snowpack Summary
In general, the snowpack is highly wind affected resulting in a wide variation in snowpack depths. Depths at treeline range from 50 to 125cm. Riding quality is best in sheltered terrain.
Upper Snowpack
20cm of loose snow will be redistributed by north winds and deposited into wind slabs.
Mid-pack
Generally well settled. A mid-November crust and facet layer is down approximately 60cm from the surface and is reportedly bonding well.
Lower-pack
Weak sugary snow (basal facets).
Weather Summary
Thursday night
Mostly starry. No new snow. Wind from the west at 30km/h. Temperature -5˚C
Friday
Mostly cloudy. Flurries beginning late in the day with little accumulation. Wind from the northwest at 40km/h in the alpine. Temperature starting at -5˚C decreasing to -10˚C by the end of the day.
Saturday
Partly cloudy. Flurries possible. Wind from the north at 15km/h. Temperature down to -20˚C.
Sunday
Partly cloudy. No new snow. Wind form the northeast at 25km/h. Temperatures plunging to -30˚C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
- Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.
- Watch for areas of hard wind slab on alpine features.
Problems
Wind Slabs
A good amount of north wind is forecast for the coming days, especially at higher elevations. This will result in reverse loading and wind slab formation in places we don't normally expect it. Pay attention to the snow beneath you and watch for signs of instability including shooting cracks and stiffer, drum-like snow. This will most likely be found directly below ridge lines and on the side walls of steep gullies. Find better quality riding in sheltered terrain features.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 16th, 2022 4:00PM
