Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 28th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.
BW,
Avalanche Canada
Despite the "Moderate" avalanche danger the weak nature of the lower snowpack is still a concern. Human triggered avalanches are still possible as demonstrated by the full depth avalanche on Helen Shoulder on Wednesday. Caution around steeper features and larger alpine terrain is warranted.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
On Wednesday a group near Helen Shoulder remote triggered (from 30 m) a size 2 two avalanche on a south aspect at 2450m. The avalanche failed on the deep persistent layer near the ground.
Snowpack Summary
Wind effect, scouring and isolated hard wind slabs can be found in the alpine and some locations at treeline. Sheltered areas at and below treeline have large surface hoar over top of loose faceted snow. The mid-pack contains a rain-crust (below 2300m) in most areas and is somewhat settled and (mostly) supportive to skiers.
The base of the snowpack is a mix of weak facets and depth hoar.
Treeline snow depths range from 60-100 cm.
Weather Summary
A ridge of high pressure over the area will result in mostly clear skies and no forecasted snow through Saturday. Ridge-top winds will be light to moderate from the south-west. Freezing levels will be near valley bottom with a chance of an above freezing layer near 2500m on Saturday.
For more information, click Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avalanche hazard may have improved, but be mindful that deep instabilities are still present.
- 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
Deep Persistent Slabs
The bottom layers of the snowpack are facetted and weak in most areas. Given the unpredictable nature of this problem, use caution when venturing on to any steeper slope.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Most of the alpine is either scoured or wind pressed however lingering wind slabs can still be found. If triggered, these wind slabs could step down to the basal facets.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 29th, 2023 4:00PM
