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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 18th, 2023–Dec 19th, 2023
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Akamina, Bull, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East, Elkford West, Flathead, Lizard, Lizard-Flathead, South Rockies.

Heightened avalanche conditions exist in wind-loaded terrain features at upper elevations.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

On Monday, explosives control in the region produced a few size 1 wind slab avalanches.

If you go out in the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

Strong winds have created variable surfaces at treeline and above. 30 to 60 cm of dry snow sits above a rain crust. The greatest amounts are likely around Fernie, but any leeward terrain could have deeper deposits due to the recent southwest wind.

The lower snowpack was rain-soaked and has slowly refrozen. Typical snowpack depths at treeline are 75 to 130 cm, and taper rapidly below treeline.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Partly cloudy, no precipitation, alpine wind southwest 20 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -4 °C.

Tuesday

Cloudy with isolated flurries, 1 to 4 cm accumulation, alpine wind southwest 40 to 60 km/h, treeline temperature -3°C.

Wednesday

Cloudy with isolated flurries, 1 to 4 cm accumulation, alpine wind west 40 to 50 km/h, treeline temperature -1°C, freezing level rises to 2000 m.

Thursday

Cloudy with isolated flurries, trace accumulation, alpine wind west 40 to 50 km/h, treeline temperature -1°C, freezing level rises to 2000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
  • Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong southwesterly winds and new snow will build pockets of cohesive slab in lee features at higher elevations. Be cautious transitioning into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5