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Avalanche Forecast

Dec 8th, 2023–Dec 9th, 2023
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Akamina, Bull, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East, Elkford West, Flathead, Lizard, Lizard-Flathead, South Rockies.

Riders may be able to trigger slabs at higher elevations. Assess for slabs prior to committing to high-consequence terrain.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A widespread avalanche cycle occurred over the past few days with many large avalanches observed. Storm slabs released at higher elevations, which transitioned to primarily loose wet activity on Thursday.

Looking towards the weekend, storm slabs within Thursday and Friday's snow are the most likely avalanche problem. Assess for the bond of all the new snow to the underlying snowpack prior to committing yourself in steep terrain.

Snowpack Summary

Around 30 to 50 cm of snow sits on a hard melt-freeze crust formed from extensive rain earlier this week. Reports suggest the snow is bonding to the snowpack. Periods of elevated wind could redistribute this snow into lee terrain features.

The rain likely moistened the entire snowpack to ground, which is slowly freezing into a crust.

Snowpack depths are approximately 60 to 120 cm at treeline, which rapidly decreases as you lower in elevation.

Weather Summary

Friday Night

Clear skies with no precipitation, southwest alpine wind 10 to 20 km/h, treeline temperature -10 °C.

Saturday

Mix of sun and cloud with no precipitation, southwest alpine wind 20 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -10 °C.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy with 2 to 5 cm of snow, 20 to 40 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperature -6 °C.

Monday

Cloudy with 2 to 5 cm of snow then clearing, 10 to 20 km/h northeast wind, treeline temperature -6 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.
  • Pay attention to the wind, once it starts to blow fresh sensitive wind slabs are likely to form.
  • Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Recent snow may have formed slabs that could linger this weekend. Expect the deepest and touchiest slabs at high elevations where the snow surface is smooth.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2