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Avalanche Forecast

Dec 17th, 2023–Dec 18th, 2023
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
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.

Heightened avalanche conditions exist in wind-loaded terrain features at upper elevations. Carefully evaluate big terrain features on an individual basis before committing to them.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, numerous natural and skier-triggered, size 1-1.5, windslab avalanches were reported in the region. Wind slabs activity was primarily on east and south aspects in steep lee terrain.

Check out the images in this MIN report for an example of lee features where you can find wind slabs.

Snowpack Summary

Strong winds have created variable surfaces at treeline and above. 30 to 60 cm of dry snow sits above a rain crust. The greatest amounts are likely around Fernie, but any leeward terrain could have deeper deposits due to the recent southwest wind. Reports suggest the snow is bonding well to the crust.

The lower snowpack was rain-soaked and has slowly refrozen. Typical snowpack depths at treeline are 75 to 130 cm, and taper rapidly below treeline.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Mainly clear, alpine wind west 50 km/h, treeline temperature -2 °C with a possible temperature inversion.

Monday

Mainly sunny with no precipitation, alpine wind southwest 30 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -1 °C with a possible temperature inversion.

Tuesday

Cloudy with isolated flurries, 2 to 4 cm accumulation, alpine wind southwest 40 to 60 km/h, treeline temperature -4°C.

Wednesday

Cloudy with isolated flurries, 2 to 5 cm accumulation, alpine wind west 50 km/h, treeline temperature -3°C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • Avoid freshly wind loaded terrain features.
  • 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

Wind Slabs

Thin wind slabs linger in southwest lees at higher elevations. Wind slab avalanches are possible to human trigger, use caution on leeward terrain features such as ridgecrests and roll-overs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2