Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 29th, 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
Warming temperatures and sunshine are likely to increase sensitivity of new wind slabs.
Before venturing into steeper terrain, carefully evaluate for the presence of wind slabs.
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanches have been reported.
Data in this region is limited. Please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Snowpack Summary
On the Alberta side of the forecast region, a strong south east winds has stripped upper alpine terrain and transport any remaining snow to lee aspect terrain creating wind slabs. Depths of wind slabs is estimated between 10-30 cm. Previously, surface snow was redistributed by strong west winds, creating various wind-affected snow surfaces at higher elevations.
There is a prominent crust down 30-60 cm.
The average snow depth at treeline varies widely from 50-100 cm, with the deepest snowpack around the Fernie area. Snow depth tapers rapidly below 1500 meters elevation.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Clear with no precipitation, southwest alpine winds 0 to 20 km/h, treeline temperature 0 °C.
Saturday
Partly cloudy, with no precipitation. South alpine winds 0 to 20 km/h, treeline temperature 0 °C with above freezing temperatures in the alpine.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy, light snow flurries 1-5 cm. Southwest alpine winds 10 to 20 km/h, treeline temperature -3 °C.
Monday
Mostly cloudy light snow flurries 1-5 cm. Southwest alpine winds 10 to 20 km/h, treeline temperature -3 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Extra caution for areas experiencing rapidly warming temperatures for the first time.
- Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
- Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Pockets of wind slab linger at higher elevations, particularly in the Alberta section of the region.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 30th, 2023 4:00PM
