Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 7th, 2022 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada lbaker, Avalanche Canada

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New snow and strong southerly winds are building fresh wind slabs at higher elevations. Carefully evaluate each slope for wind slabs before committing.

The best riding will still be in the trees and in sheltered areas away from the wind.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported, but observations are limited this time of year.

Thank you for the MIN reports! They are extremely helpful to us in the early season when snowpack information is limited. If you head into the backcountry please submit a MIN report!

Snowpack Summary

10 cm new snow and strong southerly ridge winds are building thin windslab at higher elevations. In isolated areas at treeline and below new snow is burying a layer of small surface hoar and facets. New snow overlies heavily wind-affected surfaces in all open areas at higher elevations.

A layer from mid-November is buried 50 to 70 cm down at the treeline. This layer consists of surface hoar and facets. Below the treeline and on south-facing slopes it is a crust. November 27th and 28th saw activity on this layer but has so far seemingly been unreactive under the current conditions.

Many early-season hazards exist below treeline such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Cloudy with scattered flurries, 2 - 5 cm accumulation. Ridge winds southerly 40 to 60 km/h. Temperatures are -7 at 1500 m.

Thursday

Mainly cloudy, scattered flurries, trace accumulation. Valley bottom winds remain light but at ridgetop winds will be southerly 40 - 60 km/h. Temperatures are -6 at 1500 m.

Friday

Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries, trace accumulation. Ridge winds southerly 25 to 40 km/h. Temperatures are -8 at 1500 m.

Saturday

Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, trace accumulation. Ridge winds south 20 to 35 km/h, Temperatures are -10 at 1500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • The best and safest riding will be on slopes that have soft snow without any slab properties.
  • Use caution when approaching steep and rocky terrian.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

10 cm of new snow and strong winds is building thin wind slabs upon the established and stubborn wind slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Dec 8th, 2022 4:00PM