Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 26th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
bchristie,
Avalanche Canada
Seek terrain that is sheltered from the wind for better snow and lower avalanche danger. Winds change direction on Wednesday, so human triggered avalanches are possible on all aspects.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported in the region. We anticipate that on Wednesday, the weight of a human could trigger small to large (size 1-2) windslabs on all aspects in terrain exposed to the wind.
If you head into the backcountry please consider submitting your observations to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
50-70 of recent storm snow has been redistributed by varied wind. Wind is forecast to switch direction, blowing from the east on Wednesday. This could form new, reactive windslabs on terrain that was previously scoured or pressed by strong south through west winds.
Below 1200 m, a thick crust is present approximately 50 cm above the ground. This crust is well bonded to the snow around it.
The middle and lower snowpack is reported to be well settled and bonded. Snow depth varies from 75-200 cm through this region.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Clear. No new snow expected. Strong west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -7 °C .
Wednesday
Partly cloudy. No new snow expected. Moderate to strong east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -10 °C.
Thursday
Cloudy. 2-5 cm of snow expected. Light to moderate southeast wind. Treeline temperature around -11 °C. Possible temperature inversion.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. 2-5 cm of snow expected. Light to moderate southeast wind. Treeline temperature around -6 °C. Possible temperature inversion.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
Problems
Wind Slabs
50-70 cm of storm snow and strong, varied direction winds may have formed reactive wind slabs. Without recent observations in wind exposed terrain, the wind effected snow may also be firm, bonded, and no longer an avalanche problem.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 27th, 2023 4:00PM
