Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 23rd, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs.
jpercival,
Avalanche Canada
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
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
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 24th, 2023 4:00PM
