Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 25th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
zryan,
Avalanche Canada
Watch for newly formed, reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
The snowpack is shallow and generally weak with many hazards on or near the surface.
Summary
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported. There are very few field observations coming from this forecast area. Remember that a lack of avalanche reports does not necessarily mean a lack of avalanche activity.
If you go out in the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Snowpack Summary
Check out this MIN report from Core Lodge.
The snowpack is shallow, faceted and highly wind-affected. Expect scouring on windward slopes and isolated pockets of deep wind slab over facets near ridge crests on leeward slopes. A crust has formed on the surface below treeline.
Several crusts exist in the mid pack. Isolated pockets of buried surface hoar could be found in sheltered terrain.
Average snowpack depths at treeline are highly variable (20 to 70 cm). Many hazards are on or just below the surface.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
A mix of sun and cloud, no new snow. Southwest alpine wind 60 to 100 km/h. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level rises to 3000 m.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy with snowfall, up to 5 cm of accumulation. Southwest alpine wind 50 to 100 km/h. Freezing level 1000 m dropping to valley bottom.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud, no new snow. Southwest alpine wind 20 to 50 km/h. Treeline temperature -1 °C.
Thursday
A mix of sun and cloud, no new snow. Southwest alpine wind 50 to 80 km /h. Treeline temperature 0 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
- Expect shallow snow cover that barely covers ground roughness.
- Avalanche danger is often elevated in alpine gullies where snow has accumulated.
Problems
Wind Slabs
New snow, wind, and warming may form fresh wind slab sitting over a weak faceted base.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 26th, 2023 4:00PM
