Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 18th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
BW,
Avalanche Canada
Natural avalanche activity has abated, but human triggered avalanches are still possible. Pay attention to wind loading as you make your way into the alpine and continue to make conservative terrain choices.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
Sunshine Ski Resort reported 2 small (size 1) avalanches in the alpine from Saturday. Otherwise no ther natural avalanches have been observed in the past 48 hours.
Snowpack Summary
Recent mod-strong winds and last Thursdays storm snow have created wind slabs in the alpine and exposed treeline locations. Below this is a semi-supportive mid-pack that may include a raincrust (1-7 cm thick) that exists up to 2300m. The lower snowpack is facetted and weak.
Weather Summary
Light flurries with minimal accumulation are forecasted along the continental divide through Friday. Ridgetop winds will be SW, light to moderate on Tuesday, picking up a bit on Wednesday and then forecasted to be strong on Thursday. Temperatures will be relatively mild with freezing levels near valley bottom.
For more information, click Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Past winds have created wind slabs in alpine and some exposed treeline locations. Extra caution in steeper lee terrain is advised.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
The bottom layer of the snow pack is facetted and weak. Human triggering of this deep persistent layer is possible.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 19th, 2023 4:00PM
