Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 8th, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada trettie, Avalanche Canada

Email

Continually assess the extend of wind effect as you gain elevation. Rider triggerable wind slab could be found on exposed terrain features.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported in the region.

If you do go into the backcountry, consider submitting a Mountain Information Network report.

Snowpack Summary

Ongoing snowfall accompanied by southerly winds could add to the wind slab problem.

A crusts can be found down around 50 cm on terrain below 1200 m, except on wind scoured slopes where it could be on the surface.

The snowpack is now above threshold for avalanches on smooth slopes at treeline. The snowpack in general is shallower than usual for this time of year and early season hazards are still a concern.

Check out this MIN from our field team that summarizes conditions at Fraser Chutes.

Weather Summary

Friday Night

Partially cloudy with up to 5 cm of new snow expected, periods of northeast alpine wind 15 to 25 km/h, treeline temperature -11°C.

Saturday

Cloudy with up to 10 cm of new snow possible, south alpine wind 25 to 40 km/h with the possibility of light northeast outflow wind at treeline, treeline temperature -11°C.

Sunday

Increasing cloud with a few centimeters of new snow expected, southwest alpine wind 25 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -5°C.

Monday

Mostly cloudy with 5 cm of new snow expected,  south alpine wind 40 to 70 km/h, treeline temperature -2°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.
  • Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Ongoing snowfall and southerly winds could increase the size and likelyhood of wind slab avalanches.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 9th, 2023 4:00PM