Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 23rd, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada wlewis, Avalanche Canada

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Choose conservative terrain as snow and wind continue. Minimize exposure to overhead hazard, fresh wind slabs will form as snowfall increases over the day.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Wednesday size 1 natural wind slabs were reported from north facing alpine slopes, during active wind loading. Slabs may remain reactive to human triggers.

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

Snowpack Summary

By Sunday morning 20 cm of storm snow is expected at White Pass with another 20 cm likely over the day. Strong winds will rapidly build sensitive wind slabs on north and east facing terrain features. West and south facing slopes (windward), have likely been scoured by the strong winds or have dense, wind packed snow.

Below 1200 m, a thick crust is present approximately 50 cm above the ground. This crust is well bonded to the snow around it.

The middle and lower snowpack is reported to be well settled and bonded. Snow depth varies from 75-200 cm through this region.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Cloudy with up to 20 cm of snow likely, southwest winds 60-100 km/h, treeline temperature -7 °C. 

Sunday

Cloudy with another 20 cm of snow possible. Southerly winds ease, 50-70 km/h. Treeline temperatures rise to -3 °C.

Monday

Cloudy with 5-10 of snow. Southerly winds 40-60 km/h. Treeline temperatures -5 °C.

Tuesday

Partly cloudy with 60 km/h westerly winds. 10-20 cm of snowfall possible.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Fresh snow and strong wind on Sunday will form new and reactive wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 24th, 2023 4:00PM

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