Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 25th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
TRettie,
Avalanche Canada
Don't let your guard down at lower elevations. Strong outflow at all elevations mean wind slab could be reactive even in lower terrain.
Summary
Confidence
High -
Weather Forecast
.
Saturday night: no new snow expected and a low of -25 at 900m. Moderate to strong outflow winds at all elevations.
Sunday: sunny with no new snow expected. Winds will be moderate to strong outflow at all elevations. High of -25 at 900m.
Monday: light snow in the morning with moderate north winds in the alpine. high of -20 at 900m.
Tuesday: some light flurries possible with moderate north winds. High of -16 at 900m.
Avalanche Summary
Loose dry avalanches up to size 1.5 in steep terrain continue to be reported in the region. Some wind slabs up to size 2 were observed on Friday on west aspects.
Snowpack Summary
Moderate to strong outflow winds at all elevations have scoured east aspects and formed wind slab on west aspects.
A new surface hoar layer was buried on Tuesday, it is not a problem yet.
The December 18th surface hoar/facet layer is down 30cm, the surface hoar was observed up to 12mm in both the treeline and below . It is likely only a problem in isolated locations in the treeline where wind slab has formed above it.
The December 7 persistent weak layer is now typically down 100cm and has not produced avalanches in over a week.
Snowpack depths vary greatly across the region, expect to find anywhere from 100-300 cm of snow around treeline.
Terrain and Travel
- Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
- Loose avalanches may start small but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.
- Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for wind slab hazard before you commit to it.
- Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Moderate to strong outflow winds at all elevations have loaded westerly slopes and cross loaded north and south. Sensitivity to triggering will be greatest near ridge crests and in isolated areas where wind slab has formed over surface hoar in the treeline and below.
Aspects: North, South, South West, West, North West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 26th, 2021 4:00PM
