Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 24th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
jsmith,
Avalanche Canada
Recent snow and moderate west wind formed wind slabs on lee features at treeline and above.
Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported on Saturday.
Data in this region is limited. Please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Snowpack Summary
15-20 cm of new snow on Saturday and moderate west wind formed fresh wind slabs on lee features at treeline and above.
A variety of generally firm surfaces exist below the recent snow.
There is a prominent crust down 30-60 cm.
The average snow depth at treeline varies widely from 50-100 cm, with the deepest snowpack around the Fernie area. Snow depth tapers rapidly below treeline.
Weather Summary
Christmas Eve
Clear skies, west alpine wind 40 km/h, treeline temperature -14 °C.
Christmas Day
Sunny skies, west alpine wind 40 to 50 km/h, treeline temperature -8 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy, west alpine wind 60 km/h, treeline temperature -6 °C.
Wednesday
Sunny skies, southwest alpine wind 30 km/h, treeline temperature -4 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
- Avoid slopes that sound hollow or drum-like.
- Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.
Problems
Wind Slabs
15-20 cm of new snow on Saturday and moderate west wind formed fresh wind slabs on lee features at treeline and above.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 25th, 2023 4:00PM
