Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 22nd, 2022 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada mconlan, Avalanche Canada

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A shift to warm and stormy conditions begins. Look for isolated pockets of wind slabs before committing to steep terrain.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

We haven't received any notable avalanche reports during this cold spell. Looking forward, avalanche activity could start to increase on the weekend once we see more snow, wind, and warmer air.

Please continue to share any observations or photos on the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Southwest wind and light amounts of new snow could form isolated pockets of wind slab in steep, lee terrain features. Wind affected snow covers the snowpack in exposed alpine and treeline terrain, with soft snow found in sheltered areas. The snowpack is still fairly thin and faceted, with roughly 120 cm at treeline.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Increasing clouds with no precipitation, 20 km/h south wind, treeline temperature -20 °C.

Friday

Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 cm, 20 to 40 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperatures -17 °C.

Saturday

Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 15 cm, 30 to 60 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperatures -7 °C.

Sunday

Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 15 cm, 40 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperatures -6 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
  • Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Strong wind may form pockets of wind slabs in lee terrain features.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Dec 23rd, 2022 4:00PM