Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 23rd, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada jpercival, Avalanche Canada

Email

Exercise caution at higher elevations, you should anticipate the presence of storm slabs. Open alpine areas below ridges are primed to harbor newly formed storm slabs.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported before 4pm on Saturday.

If you do head into the backcountry please consider submitting observations and/or photos on the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

With the recent cooling temperatures, we expect the past new storm snow to have effectively bonded to the old surfaces. Anticipate past wind to have stripped south and west-facing ridges down to frozen crusts, while deeper and potentially more reactive slabs have formed on north and east-facing slopes.

Below treeline, you'll likely find dirt, shallow, heavy, moist or wet snow.

The mid and lower snowpack is made up of a series of crusts and rounded grains. The snowpack is generally well consolidated.

Overall, the snow depth remains shallow, creating challenging travel conditions and hiding early season hazards just below the snow surface.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy. No new snow expected. Treeline temperature around -4 °C. Freezing level around 600 m. Light southwest ridgetop wind

Sunday

Partly cloudy. No new snow expected. Treeline temperature around -1 °C. Freezing level rising to 1000 m, possible temperature inversion. Strong south ridgetop wind.

Monday

Cloudy. Heavy snow and rain expected. 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 gusting strong, south east ridgetop wind.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
  • Be cautious of buried obstacles especially below treeline.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

Storm slabs have formed around treeline elevations and above. The touchiest slabs may be in lee terrain features.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

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