Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 23rd, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
IG,
Avalanche Canada
Fresh snow and wind have created a new storm slab, human triggered avalanches are possible!
A weak layer of surface hoar is still buried within the range for human triggered avalanches.
We're entering one of the busiest times at Roger's Pass, be aware of groups above or below you!
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
Warm temps, rapid loading and strong winds triggered a natural avalanche cycle. Evidence of several loose dry avalanches and a few slabs from steep terrain were observed on a flight over.
A human triggered avalanche occurred on Video peak late Saturday with 3 in the group involved but not injured.
Last week there were a number of significant human-triggered avalanches failing on the Dec 1st surface hoar layer. The most notable avalanches occurred on Balu Pk & Ursus Minor.
Snowpack Summary
15-25 cms of new snow has fallen over the last few days with wind creating wind slabs at ridgetop. Below 1800m 10-15cm of snow sits on a breakable rain crust.
The Dec 1 surface hoar, down 50-100cm, continues to produce 'sudden' results in tests and has been the culprit in several recent close calls from skier-triggered avalanches.
Below 2100m, a rain crust is buried 40-50cm deep. In shallow areas the base of the snowpack is faceted and unsupportive.
Weather Summary
High pressure will set in over the region. We'll have clearing skies and falling temps.
Tonight: Clear skies, wind: South - light, Freezing level (Fz lvl) at valley bottom
Sunday: Mixed sun/cloud, Temp: High -7°C, Wind: Southwest 20km/hr. Fz lvl 800m
Monday: Cloudy with sunny periods, Temp: High , South 20km/hr wind. Fz lvl 1100m
Tuesday: Cloudy with sunny periods, 10-15cm snow, Alpine high -3°C, Wind south: 20-40
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Fresh snow rests on a problematic persistent slab, don't let good riding lure you into complacency.
Problems
Storm Slabs
New snow and wind has created a storm slab. Expect to find it most reactive at ridge top.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
A weak layer of surface hoar down 50-100 cm in the snowpack is at the ideal depth for human triggering and remains reactive. This persistent weak layer has been very slow to bond but seems less reactive below 2100m where it may be bridged by a buried rain crust.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 24th, 2023 4:00PM
