Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 16th, 2020 3:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
Mikey,
Avalanche Canada
Strong winds and snow on the way. Approach tree line with this in mind. Good skiing can be found in sheltered areas.
Summary
Confidence
High -
Weather Forecast
Thursday is forecast to bring 10-15cm of snow, along with strong SW winds and a temperature of -7c in the alpine. Expect fresh wind slabs to begin forming.
Avalanche Summary
Only some spindrift was observed out of steep cliffs.
Snowpack Summary
Thursday is expected to bring 10-15cm of snow for a total of about 30-40cm of loose snow that is starting to move around in the alpine. The concern now is when this turns into a fresh wind slab, it will be sitting on top of the December 8 crust which will be about 30-40cm down. This 0.5cm crust was formed during the warm spell 10 days ago and is quite a smooth surface for a slab to release on. Approach tree line and lee features with your radar on. With all this snow and wind coming, cornices will begin to grow.
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Winds are finally starting to make some fresh windslabs out there. As these build they will become more reactive and have larger consequenecs to skiers and boarders.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
There seems to be lots of variability with this layer. As always, thin areas transitioning to localized wind loaded pockets will be more sensitive.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 17th, 2020 3:00PM
