Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 10th, 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
Visibility was limited on Saturday but there were still some avalanches observed. Naturally and explosive triggered avalanches up to size 2 were reported in the north of the region. Most of these avalanches were on northerly aspects.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 35 cm of recent storm snow has been redistributed by variable winds. Wind slab could be found on all aspects. This new snow could overlie large surface hoar at treeline and a crust below treeline.
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
Sunday Night
Mostly clear with trace amounts of new snow expected, southwest alpine wind 10 to 25 km/h, treeline temperature -1°C.
Monday
A mix of sun and cloud with trace amounts of new snow possible, southwest alpine wind 15 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -1°C, possible temperature inversion with colder temperatures below treeline.
Tuesday
Cloudy with 10 to 40 cm of new snow expected, south alpine wind 30 to 70 km/h, freezing level rising to 1400 m.
Wednesday
Cloudy with up to 20 cm of new snow expected, southwest alpine wind 30 to 60 km/h, freezing level falling to 700 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 HAS 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 11th, 2023 4:00PM
