Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 6th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
wlewis,
Avalanche Canada
Approach wind loaded features with caution, a buried surface hoar layer may increase reactivity. Don't let it surprise you.
Summary
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
There have been very few observations in our area. Expect avalanche activity, especially in areas where new snow has covered surface hoar.
If you head into the backcountry, please submit a MIN report to help inform our forecasting.
Snowpack Summary
Varied amounts of snow and rain, 5 to 10 cm, have fallen since Monday morning. At higher elevations winds have likely created deeper deposits in north and east-facing terrain.
A layer of surface hoar is buried around 20 cm deep, and on south facing slopes the surface hoar may sit on a sun crust.
The mid-pack is generally unconsolidated. A crust with sugary facets beneath it can be found just above the ground.
The snowpack is still shallow for this time of year. The average snowpack depth at treeline ranges from 70 to 90 cm. This MIN report show the conditions around Lucille.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy with northwest winds around 10 km/h. Freezing levels drop to valley bottom. No snowfall expected.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy, westerly winds 10-15 km/h. Treeline temperatures around -10 °C as freezing levels remain at valley bottom. No snowfall expected.
Friday
Mix of sun and cloud, no snowfall expected. Westerly winds 20-40 km/h. Treeline temperatures around -10 °C as freezing levels remain at valley bottom.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy with southerly winds increasing to 60 km/h. Freezing levels remain at valley bottom. Up to 5 cm of snowfall is possible.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Carefully assess open slopes and convex rolls where buried surface hoar may be preserved.
- Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Greatest reactivity to be expected where the new snow overlays large buried surface hoar.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 7th, 2023 4:00PM
