Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 26th, 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
As strong winds redistribute available snow watch for fresh wind slabs building on lee alpine features.
Avoid steep, rocky, and wind affected areas where triggering slabs are more likely.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Monday, a natural, size 1, dry loose avalanche was reported on a northeast aspect at treeline. There was no other avalanche activity reported in the region on Monday.
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 strong 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
Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy with no precipitation, 50 km/h northwest alpine wind ease to 20 km/h from the southwest, treeline temperature -4 °C.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud, southwest alpine wind increase to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -2 °C. An above freezing layer may develop from 2500m to 3000 m.
Thursday
Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries, trace amounts of snow, west alpine wind 50 to 70 km/h, treeline temperature -3 °C, freezing level 1500 m.
Friday
A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, trace amounts of snow, southwest alpine wind 10 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -1 °C. An above freezing layer may develop from 1500m to 3000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
- Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
- Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
Problems
Wind Slabs
In areas where there is still snow available for transport, forecast strong wind may form fresh wind slabs on lee terrain features.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 27th, 2023 4:00PM
