Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 30th, 2021 3:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
JSmith,
Avalanche Canada
Lingering wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggers on lee features at treeline and above.
Check out the latest Forecasters' Blog for tips on managing the ongoing Persistent Slab problem in this region.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the fact that persistent slabs are particularly difficult to forecast.
Weather Forecast
THURSDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy / Light west wind / Low of -29
FRIDAY: Sunny / Light west wind / High of -20
SATURDAY: Increasing cloudiness in afternoon / Moderate northwest wind / High of -20
SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy with flurries; 3-5 cm / Strong west wind / High of -11
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported in this region on Wednesday.
An explosive triggered size 3 persistent slab was reported in the alpine on December 27th. The avalanche failed on the crust formed in early December which is down 50-150 cm.
Snowpack Summary
Recent winds have created wind slabs on a variety of aspects and created a lot of variability in the upper snowpack.
The most notable layer of concern in the snowpack is a crust that was formed in early December and is now down 80-150 cm. The most recent reported avalanche on this layer was on December 27th. Activity on this layer has been sporadic. It has generally been triggered on steep, rocky slopes, with a shallow or thin to thick snowpack.
This layer has created a low likelihood, high consequence scenario which is best managed through conservative terrain choices and disciplined backcountry travel techniques.
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to the presence of a persistent slab.
- Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
- Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Lingering wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggers on lee features at treeline and above.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
A persistent slab problem formed by a crust down 50-150 cm has created a low likelihood, high consequence scenario that is difficult to forecast.
Avoid likely trigger spots such as steep, rocky slopes with a shallow or thin to thick snowpack.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 31st, 2021 3:00PM
