Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 13th, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada isnowsell, Avalanche Canada

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Stormy conditions persist throughout the day Thursday - continue with a conservative approach while avalanche hazard remains heightened.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A few natural wind slab avalanches up to size 2 on north-facing, alpine terrain were reported Wednesday.

Check out Wednesday's report from our Avalanche Canada field team.

If you do go into the backcountry, consider submitting a Mountain Information Network report.

Snowpack Summary

Approximately 50 to 100 cm of recent storm snow continues to be redistributed by strong southerly winds. Deep deposits of wind-loaded snow can be found in lee features, while south-facing terrain continues to be scoured by recent winds.

New snow is reportedly well bonded to an underlying crust.

Treeline snow depth is roughly 80 cm, however, snow depths overall remain highly variable.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Cloudy with 2 to 10 cm of snow, south alpine winds 40 to 60 km/h, treeline temperature -8 °C.

Thursday

Cloudy with 15 to 30 cm of snow, south alpine winds 50 to 70 km/h, treeline temperature -6 °C.

Friday

Mostly cloudy with trace amounts of snow, southwest alpine winds 30 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -9 °C.

Saturday

Cloudy with trace amounts of snow, southwest alpine winds 30 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -9 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
  • Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Fresh wind slabs continue to form in leeward terrain like ridges and gully features.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Dec 14th, 2023 4:00PM

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