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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 23rd, 2021–Dec 24th, 2021

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

North Rockies.

Avoid wind loaded features, especially in the south of the region where more recent snowfall will mean an increased sensitivity to triggering.

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to field data and reports showing a wide variation in conditions throughout the region.

Weather Forecast

Thursday night: some light flurries with light winds. Low of -24 at 1300m.

Friday: some light flurries possible with moderate northeast winds. Temperatures steady around -24 at 1300m.

Saturday: some light flurries with moderate northeast winds and temperatures steady around -27 at 1300m.

Sunday: some light flurries possible with moderate to strong northeast winds. Temperatures steady around -28.

Avalanche Summary

On Thursday our field team observed some natural avalanche activity up to size 2 in steep or extreme terrain in the treeline while in the southern part of the forecast region.

Snowpack Summary

Wind has varied in direction throughout the region over the last few days. Wind slab could be found on all aspects. Sensitivity to triggering will be greatest in the southern part of the region where snowfall amounts were greatest.

 

A new surface hoar layer up to size 4 has just been buried.

Snowpack depth at treeline typically ranges from 100-250 cm, with the shallower value mainly on the eastern side of the range and the deepest snowpack around Renshaw.

Terrain and Travel

  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.
  • Avoid freshly wind loaded terrain features.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.