Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 24th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
jpercival,
Avalanche Canada
Carefully assess conditions as you gain elevation. In wind exposed terrain above the freezing line, wind slabs are possible.
At low elevations, expect a new breakable crust to begin to form.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported before 4pm on Sunday.
If you're heading out in the backcountry, please consider sharing any observations on the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
Saturday night's clear, cold spell caused widespread surface hoar at treeline and alpine elevations. The approaching storm is expected to bury this, raising concerns about a potential new layer. The recent storm delivered a range of snow depths, spanning from 10 to 20 cm and covers old wind slabs and crusts in the alpine, and wet surfaces at treeline and below.
At treeline and above two layers of note are buried around 30 to 70 cm deep. Both consist of a crust that tapers at higher elevations, and surface hoar in sheltered areas.
Overall, the snow depth remains shallow, with average treeline snowpack depths between 70 and 100 cm.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Periods of clearing. No new snow expected. Treeline temperature around 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 1000 m. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind.
Monday
Cloudy. Snow and rain expected to begin in the pm 5 to 10 cm . Freezing level rising to 1200-1500 m. Treeline temperature around 0 °C. Moderate gusting strong, south east ridgetop wind.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. Snow and rain expected to cease in the am 10 to 20 cm. Freezing level around 1500 m. Treeline low around -1°C. Strong gusting extreme, south east ridgetop wind.
Wednesday
Periods of clearing. No new snow expected. Treeline temperature around 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 1700 m. Moderate south ridgetop wind.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent wind slabs developed during a warm period and with the introduction of cooler weather are expected to have bonded reasonably well to the old surfaces.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 25th, 2023 4:00PM
