Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 6th, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada swerner, Avalanche Canada

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Storm slabs in the alpine may be reactive to rider triggering. Stable avalanche conditions exist wherever a thick surface crust is present.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Tuesday, numerous natural wet slab and wet loose avalanche activity was seen in treeline and below treeline terrain. Storm slabs may exist and be reactive to rider-triggering in upper elevations where a surface crust does not exist.

If you're heading out in the backcountry, please consider sharing any observations on the Mountain Information Network

Snowpack Summary

At treeline and above 10 to 20 cm of new snow sits above a widespread crust and may show a poor bond. The new snow tapers with elevation loss but the surface crust continues to exist below treeline. This crust should provide a bridge over any previous layers of concern deeper in the snowpack.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy. Light wind from the northeast and alpine temperatures near -5. Freezing level dropping to 800 m.

Thursday

Cloudy. Alpine winds 10 to 20 km/h from the northwest. Treeline temperature near -2°C, and freezing level 1000 m.

Friday

Mostly cloudy with possible sunny breaks. Alpine winds from the southeast 15 to 20 km/h and temperatures -4 to -8°C. Freezing levels near 800 m.

Saturday

Next frontal system to arrive, bringing strong south winds, new snow amounts 15 to 25 cm. Freezing levels near 1000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
  • 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

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

In any alpine areas where a surface crust is not present, reactive storm and wind slabs may exist.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 7th, 2023 4:00PM

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