Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 21st, 2023 4:00PM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Wet.

jleblanc, Avalanche Canada

Lizard-Flathead, South Rockies, Akamina, Flathead, Lizard, Bull, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East, Elkford West.

With mild temperatures overnight, surface snow will remain moist at most elevations.

Keep loose wet avalanches in mind as you travel on steep slopes.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Few small wet loose natural avalanches were observed on Mt Fernie on Thursday. Explosive control produced numerous storm slabs up to size 1.5 around Fernie on Wednesday. If you go out in the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

Variable surfaces exist at treeline and above; up to 10 cm of recently settled snow, wind-affected surfaces, and melt-freeze crust. Surface snow is moist from 2000 m and below. A prominent rain crust is 30 to 60 cm deep. The lower snowpack was rain-soaked and remains moist in some areas.

The total snow depth is higher around Fernie than elsewhere in the region, with 75 to 130 cm at treeline. The snowpack depth rapidly tapers below treeline.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Cloudy with isolated flurries, trace accumulation, alpine wind west 30 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -1Â° C, freezing level at 1700 m.

Friday

Cloudy with isolated flurries, 5-10 cm of wet snow in afternoon/ evening, alpine wind southwest 40 to 50 km/h, treeline temperature -1Â° C, freezing level at 1800 m dropping to 1000 m at night.

Saturday

Cloudy with isolated flurries, trace accumulation, alpine wind northwest 20 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -3Â° C, freezing level 1000 m.

Sunday

A mix of sun and clouds with no precipitation, alpine wind west 20 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -7Â° C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Watch for unstable snow on specific terrain features, especially when the snow is moist or wet.
Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.

Problems

Loose Wet

Wet loose avalanches are likely on steep slopes at lower elevations. A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Dec 22nd, 2023 4:00PM