Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 23rd, 2021 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada TRettie, Avalanche Canada

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

Summary

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

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Another 30cm of low density snow fell in the Renshaw area on Wednesday, wind slabs will be most reactive in this area. Wind direction has varied throughout the region over the past few days so wind slab could be found on all aspects and elevations.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: Dec 24th, 2021 4:00PM