Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 16th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet.
wlewis,
Avalanche Canada
Spring like weather may raise avalanche danger on specific terrain features. Watch for wet snow on steep, sun affected slopes.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanches have been reported in the region.
If you do head into the backcountry please submit any observations and/or photos on the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
Warm temperatures and sun may moisten the surface snow and break down crusts likely formed overnight. A widespread layer of breakable crust with surface hoar is buried around 5-10 cm deep, under wind affected snow.
The mid and lower snowpack is made up of a series of crusts and rounded grains. The snowpack is generally well consolidated.
Overall, the snow depth remains shallow, hiding early season hazards just below the snow surface.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Mostly clear skies with no snowfall. Freezing levels remain above 2000 m. Southwest winds continue, 40-60 km/h.
Sunday
Sunny with no snowfall. Freezing levels spike to 3000 m, treeline temperatures reach +5 °C. Winds ease from the southwest, 20-30km/h.
Monday
Partly cloudy. Freezing levels remain above 2500 m, treeline temperatures around +3 °C. Southwest winds continue, 30-40km/h.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. Freezing levels fall to 1500 m gradually, treeline temperatures around +3 °C. Southwest winds, 20-30 km/h in the morning build over the day.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid sun exposed slopes, especially if snow surface is moist or wet.
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
- Even a small avalanche can be harmful if it pushes you into an obstacle or a terrain trap.
Problems
Loose Wet
Wet avalanches will be most likely where warm temperatures are combined with sun on south facing slopes. Buried crusts and surface hoar create ideal sliding surfaces for avalanche activity.
Aspects: South East, South, South West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 17th, 2023 4:00PM
