Avalanche forecast

Northwest Inland

Dec 25 – 26, 2021Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low

Highlights

Continue to assess the wind slab hazard as you move through the terrain. Rider triggerable wind slab can still be found near ridge crests and on steep roll overs.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Wind slab can be found on all aspects. Forecasted easterly winds will likely build new and more reactive wind slabs on west aspects.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Friday night: light to moderate east winds in the alpine with a low of -33 at 1600m.

Saturday: moderate winds from the Northeast with no new snow expected. High of -28 at 1600m.

Sunday: sunny with no new snow expected. wind will be moderate from the northeast in the alpine. High of -29 at 1600m.

Monday: some light flurries in the morning with moderate northwest wind. High of -26 at 1600m.

Avalanche Summary

One size 2 skier accidental was reported on Wednesday. This avalanche was a wind slab on a north aspect in the alpine with a slab thickness of 40cm. 

Snowpack Summary

Wind slab could be found on all aspects as the winds have varied over the last few days. Cold temps and dry air will likely facet out the snow surface and reduce reactivity of wind slab over the next couple days. 

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.

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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

  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.

Regions covered