Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 23rd, 2023 4:00PM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada jpercival, Avalanche Canada

Email

Travel carefully due to early season hazards.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported before 4pm on Saturday.

Please help out your backcountry community by submitting a MIN report if you head out to the backcountry.

Snowpack Summary

Temperatures have cooled, you can anticipate any new snow is likely to adhere quite effectively to the existing old surfaces. Avalanches are expected primarily in upper elevation areas where robust winds have created deeper accumulations of snow over pre-existing, smooth, and firm surfaces. Below treeline, you'll find dirt, or shallow, heavy, moist or wet snow.

Previously mild temperatures and continuous rainfall have saturated and reduced the snowpack. The current snow depth ranges from 40 to 90 cm, diminishing rapidly below the 1000 m elevation threshold.

Terrain features with smooth ground cover, gullies, or established avalanche paths are above the threshold for avalanches.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy. Trace of snow expected. Freezing level around 900 m. Treeline temperature around -3 °C. Moderate south or southwest ridgetop wind.

Sunday

Partly cloudy. Light rain or snow expected. Freezing level rising to 1000-1200 m. Treeline temperature around 1 °C. Light to moderate south east ridgetop wind.

Monday

Cloudy. Heavy snow and rain expected to begin in the afternoon. Freezing level rising to 1200-1500 m. Treeline temperature around 0 °C. Moderate, gusting strong south east ridgetop wind.

Tuesday

Cloudy. Heavy snow and rain that is expected to cease in the am. Freezing level 1500-2000 m. Treeline temperature around 4 °C. Moderate south east ridgetop wind.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Investigate the bond of the recent snow before committing to your line.
  • 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

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

The past storm arrived warm and departed cold. New snow is expected to bond well to the old surface. Avalanches are most likely where strong winds have formed deeper pockets of snow over old, smooth, hard surfaces.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 24th, 2023 4:00PM