Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 7th, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada trettie, Avalanche Canada

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Keep an eye on the extent of blowing snow. Wind slab size and sensitivity will likely increase throughout the day.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported in the region. We suspect that rider triggerable wind slab will be found on Friday.

If you do go into the backcountry, consider submitting a Mountain Information Network report.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 15 cm of new snow accompanied by moderate southwest wind will likely form wind slab throughout the day on north and east aspects.

A crusts can be found down around 50 cm on terrain below 1200 m, except on wind scoured slopes where it could be on the surface.

The snowpack is now above threshold for avalanches on smooth slopes at treeline. The snowpack in general is shallower than usual for this time of year and early season hazards are still a concern.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Mostly cloudy, trace amounts of new snow expected, south alpine wind 20 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -6°C.

Friday

Cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of new snow expected, southwest alpine wind 25 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature falling to -9°C.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy with around 5 cm of new snow possible, northeast alpine wind 10 to 25 km/h, treeline temperature -10°C.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy with up to 3 cm of new snow expected, south alpine wind 20 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -5°C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

up to 15 cm of new snow accompanied by southwest wind will form wind slab on north and east aspects. The largest slabs will likely be found in the alpine.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 8th, 2023 4:00PM