Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 27th, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada isnowsell, Avalanche Canada

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Isolated wind slabs may persist, particularly within the Alberta section of the region.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported.

Data in this region is limited. Please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

Recent snow has been redistributed by strong west winds, creating various wind-affected snow surfaces at higher elevations.

There is a prominent crust down 30-60 cm.

The average snow depth at treeline varies widely from 50-100 cm, with the deepest snowpack around the Fernie area. Snow depth tapers rapidly below treeline.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Mostly clear with no precipitation, southwest alpine winds 20 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -6 °C.

Thursday

Mix of sun and cloud with no precipitation, southwest alpine winds 20 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -3 °C, freezing level 1500 m.

Friday

Mix of sun and cloud with no precipitation, south alpine winds 10 to 20 km/h, treeline temperature -1 °C.

Saturday

Mostly sunny with no precipitation, south alpine winds 10 to 20 km/h, treeline temperature 0 °C with an alpine temperature inversion.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Pockets of wind slab linger at higher elevations, especially around ridgecrests and high points.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 28th, 2023 4:00PM

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