Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 16th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Wet.
wlewis,
Avalanche Canada
Spring like weather may raise avalanche danger on specific terrain features. Watch for wet snow on steep, sun affected slopes and wind slabs in north facing features.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Friday size 1 human triggered avalanches were reported at all elevations - involving dry snow at higher elevations (primarily on north facing slopes) and wet avalanches at lower elevations where rain had affected the snow. Operators also reported small chunks of cornice releasing on to the snow below - remember these can trigger avalanches and are a hazard on their own.
Please share any observations or photos on the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
Warm temperatures and sun may moisten the surface snow and break down crusts that likely formed overnight.
A 1-2 cm crust is buried around 10-20 cm deep, under wind affected snow. This crust extends into the alpine and is combined with a layer of surface hoar in sheltered areas.
At treeline and above two layers of concern are buried around 40 and 60 cm deep. Both consist of a crust that tapers at higher elevations, and surface hoar in sheltered areas. No recent activity has been reported on these layers but they continue to be reactive in testing. These layers may become reactive to human triggers during the warming.
Overall, the snow depth remains shallow, hiding early season hazards just below the snow surface.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Partly cloudy with trace amounts of snow possible. Freezing levels rise to 2000 m. Westerly winds, 20-30 km/h.
Sunday
Mostly sunny. Westerly winds, 20-30 km/h. Freezing levels spike to 2500 m in the afternoon (close to 3000 m in more coastal areas), treeline temperatures of +2 °C.
Monday
Increasing cloud. Southwesterly winds, 30-40 km/h. Freezing levels remain above 2500 m overnight and through Monday, treeline temperatures of +3 °C.
Tuesday
Light snow begins overnight and continues on Tuesday, 5-15 cm is possible above 2000 m as freezing levels remain high. Southerly winds, 30-40 km/h.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be alert to conditions that change with aspect and elevation.
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
- If triggered loose wet avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs may continue to be reactive, especially where they sit over a crust or surface hoar.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Wet avalanches will be most likely where warm temperatures are combined with sun on south facing slopes. Buried crusts will create ideal sliding surfaces for avalanche activity.
Aspects: South East, South, South West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 17th, 2023 4:00PM
