Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 9th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs.
trettie,
Avalanche Canada
Use extra caution at treeline.
There is some uncertainty in the distribution of buried surface hoar. In areas where surface hoar exists it is most likely to be preserved at treeline.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
A few size 1 natural wind slab avalanches were reported in the north of the region. These avalanches were in the immediate lee of ridge features.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 35 cm of recent storm snow will have formed storm slab. The largest slabs will be found on north and east aspects in the alpine. This new snow will overlie large surface hoar at treeline and a crust below treeline.
check out this great MIN from Shames.
The mid pack contains several crusts from November. In general, the mid pack is well settled. The height of snow at treeline is around 150 cm and tapers rapidly below treeline.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Cloudy with up to 10 cm of new snow expected, west alpine wind 25 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -2°C.
Sunday
Mostly clear with trace amounts of new snow expected, northwest alpine wind 10 to 20 km/h, freezing level rising to 1000 m.
Monday
A mix of sun and cloud with no new snow expected, southwest alpine wind 15 to 30 km/h, freezing level falling to 600 m.
Tuesday
Cloudy with 10 to 30 cm of new snow expected, southwest alpine wind 40 to 80 km/h, freezing level rising to 1300 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be aware of the potential for larger than expected storm slabs due to the presence of buried surface hoar.
- Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Approach steep open slopes at and below treeline cautiously, buried surface hoar may exist.
- Surface hoar distribution is highly variable. Avoid generalizing your observations.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Up to 35 cm of recent snow will have formed a storm slab at all elevations. The largest slabs will be found on wind loaded terrain in the alpine. This new snow could overlie a surface hoar layer at treeline which it likely won't bond well to.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 10th, 2023 4:00PM
