Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 25th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
jsmith,
Avalanche Canada
Forecast wind may form fresh wind slabs on lee features at treeline and above.
Avoid steep, rocky, and wind affected areas where triggering slabs are more likely.
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
A few explosive triggered wind slabs up to size 2 were reported on primarily east aspects in the alpine on Sunday.
Data in this region is limited. Please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Snowpack Summary
15-20 cm of recent snow and moderate west wind formed wind slabs on lee features in the alpine.
A variety of generally firm surfaces exist below the recent snow.
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
Monday Night
Partly cloudy skies, west alpine wind 50 km/h, treeline temperature -12 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy, west alpine wind 60 km/h, treeline temperature -6 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny, southwest alpine wind 40 km/h, treeline temperature -4 °C.
Thursday
Cloudy, west alpine wind 50 km/h, treeline temperature -3 °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.
- Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
- Avoid slopes that sound hollow or drum-like.
- 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
In areas where there is still snow available for transport, forecast strong wind may form fresh wind slabs on lee features at treeline and above.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 26th, 2023 4:00PM
