Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 22nd, 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
Avalanches remain possible in wind loaded terrain.
Travel carefully due to early season hazards.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported before 4pm on Friday.
Please help out your backcountry community by submitting a MIN report if you head out to the backcountry.
Snowpack Summary
The preceding warm storm transitioned to colder conditions upon its departure. Anticipated new snow is likely to adhere quite effectively to the existing surface. Avalanches are expected primarily in areas where robust winds are creating deeper accumulations of snow over pre-existing, smooth, and firm surfaces. Below treeline, you'll find dirt, or shallow, heavy, moist or wet snow.
Mild temperatures and continuous rainfall have saturated and reduced the snowpack. The current snow depth ranges from 40 to 90 cm, diminishing rapidly below the 1000 m elevation threshold.
Terrain features with smooth ground cover, gullies, or established avalanche paths are above the threshold for avalanches.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Partly cloudy. Trace of snow expected. Freezing level around 500 m. Treeline temperature around -3 °C. Moderate northwest ridgetop wind becoming southeast.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy. Trace of snow expected. Freezing level around 900 m. Treeline temperature around -3 °C. Moderate south or southwest ridgetop wind.
Sunday
Partly cloudy. Very light rain expected. Freezing level rising to 1500-2000 m. Treeline temperature around 1 °C. Extreme south or southwest ridgetop wind.
Monday
Cloudy. Heavy snow and rain expected. Freezing level rising to 1200-1500 m. Treeline temperature around 0 °C. Extreme south or southwest ridgetop wind.
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.
- Investigate the bond of the recent snow before committing to your line.
- 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
Wind Slabs
The past storm arrived warm and departed cold. New snow is expected to stick to the old surface fairly well. Avalanches are most likely where strong winds are forming deeper pockets of snow over old, smooth, hard surfaces.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 23rd, 2023 4:00PM
