Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 18th, 2019 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
deryl kelly,
Parks Canada
A strong south-west wind is ripping through the ridge tops of the forecast region; scouring and loading features with reckless abandon!
Tailing this is a luscious pacific system set to unload up to 50cm of new snow through the weekend. Stay tuned.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Unsettled weather with moderate to strong SW winds for the next few days. Forecast region is under the influence of a weather system tracking from the Gulf of Alaska. On Friday, a sub tropical 'atmospheric river', arrives with rising temperatures and, at times heavy precip through to Sunday.
For more details: Mountain Weather Forecast
Snowpack Summary
Sustained moderate to strong SW ridge-top winds likely creating variable soft and hard slabs in all lee features. There is a mid-pack crust/facet interface distributed through the region. It has shown very little reactivity to this point. A weak basal facet/depth hoar layer exists at the base of the pack.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches observed or reported.
Add or view trip reports here at the CAA's Mountain Information Network
Confidence
Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Friday
Problems
Wind Slabs
Strong SW winds are creating wind slabs in NW to SE lee aspects. Sensitivity expected to be reactive in the immediate future and may wake deeper, weaker interfaces.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
Aspects: North, North East, East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
A few large avalanches were observed during last cycle early in December and we suspect it was on this layer. Triggering the windslab problem has potential to release this lower problem layer.
- Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 19th, 2019 4:00PM
