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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 7th, 2023–Dec 8th, 2023
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
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-Flathead, South Rockies.

Conservative terrain travel is recommended, as riders could trigger storm slab avalanches.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A widespread avalanche cycle occurred over the past few days with many large avalanches observed. Storm slabs were observed at higher elevations, which transitioned to primarily loose wet activity on Thursday.

Looking to Friday, new storm slabs are the most likely avalanche problem. Assess for the bond of all the new snow prior to committing yourself in steep terrain.

Snowpack Summary

Around 25 to 50 cm of snow is expected to accumulate by Friday, with the most found at higher elevations. This snow rests on a wet snowpack that will slowly transition to a melt-freeze crust. The extensive rain from earlier this week likely moistened the entire snowpack to ground.

Snowpack depths are approximately 50 to 80 cm at treeline, which rapidly decreases as you lower in elevation.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow, southwest alpine wind 10 to 20 km/h, treeline temperature -7 °C.

Friday

Mostly cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of snow, west alpine wind 10 to 20 km/h, treeline temperature -7 °C.

Saturday

Mix of sun and cloud with no precipitation, southwest alpine wind 20 km/h, treeline temperature -10 °C.

Sunday

Cloudy with 2 to 5 cm of snow, 20 to 40 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperature -7 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Travel in alpine terrain is not recommended.
  • Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
  • Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.
  • 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

Storm Slabs

20 to 40 cm thick storm slabs may be triggered by riders. Expect the deepest and touchiest slabs at high elevations. Best to give the new snow a bit of time to bond to the snowpack before exposing yourself to consequential avalanche terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2