Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 25th, 2023 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada bchristie, Avalanche Canada

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Choose terrain that is sheltered from the wind for better snow and lower avalanche danger.

Happy holidays!

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported in the region. We anticipate those who head into the backcountry for the holiday will see evidence of a natural avalanche cycle from within the storm.

If you head into the backcountry please consider submitting your observations to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Storm snow totals are expected to be 50-70 cm by Tuesday afternoon. Strong southerly winds continue to build thick wind slabs in exposed leeward terrain. South facing slopes (windward), have likely been scoured by the strong winds or have dense, wind packed snow.

Below 1200 m, a thick crust is present approximately 50 cm above the ground. This crust is well bonded to the snow around it.

The middle and lower snowpack is reported to be well settled and bonded. Snow depth varies from 75-200 cm through this region.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Cloudy. 10-25 cm of snow expected. Moderate to strong south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -3 °C.

Tuesday

Mainly cloudy. 4-7 cm of snow expected. Strong southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -7 °C .

Wednesday

Partly cloudy. Trace of snow expected. Strong northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -10 °C.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy. 2-5 cm of snow expected. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -12 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.
  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
  • Stick to simple terrain features and be certain your location isn't threatened by overhead hazard.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

50-70 cm of storm snow and strong southerly winds have formed touchy storm slabs at higher elevations. Be especially cautious around wind loaded features where storm slabs may be deeper and more reactive to human-triggering.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: Dec 26th, 2023 4:00PM

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