Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 17th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
lbaker,
Avalanche Canada
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.
Summary
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.
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
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 18th, 2023 4:00PM
