Avalanche forecast

Glacier

Dec 8 – 9, 2022Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

30-40cm of low-density storm snow is making for some quality skiing and riding!

Don't let the powdery conditions obscure your avalanche awareness. Storm slabs are still present at higher elevations in exposed terrain features.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    The Nov 17 surface hoar is down 50-80cm and most prevalent around tree line. The surface hoar continues to give 'sudden' results in snowpack tests.

  • Loose Dry

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

    Approximately 35cm of dry, low-density storm snow sits on the Dec 5th layer (surface facets and surface hoar). Expect fast sluffing in steep, confined terrain, potentially digging deeper into the facets and accumulating enough mass to bury a person.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    30-40cm of low-density new snow accompanied by moderate to strong SW winds built fresh storm slabs in exposed start zones at higher elevations. Storm slabs were most reactive on Northerly aspects in the Alpine. The storm snow overlies the Dec 5th layer which consists of facets and surface hoar.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A small natural avalanche cycle occurred yesterday in very steep, predominantly north-facing terrain in the Alpine. Cheops North 4 was directly observed (size 2, storm slab) stopping just short of the creek. Mt MacDonald had several size 1.5-2 storm slabs in the Highway Corridor, stopping begin fan.

Snowpack Summary

30-40cm of new low-density storm snow buries the Dec 5th layer consisting of surface hoar and facets. Low-density storm slabs will likely be found in steep exposed start zones in the Alpine. The Nov 17th Surface Hoar is now buried 50-80cm below the surface and may become more reactive with the additional load.

Weather Summary

Thursday we are expecting another 5cm of new snow, bringing the storm snow total to ~45cm. Winds should be light to moderate from the SW, and temperatures are gradually increasing. Friday and into the weekend, we are expecting flurries, cool temps, and light winds.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Loose avalanches may start small but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.
  • Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
  • Storm snow and wind is forming touchy slabs. Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline.

Regions covered