Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 6th, 2023 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada swerner, Avalanche Canada

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Storm slabs in the alpine may be reactive to rider triggering.

Stable avalanche conditions exist wherever a thick surface crust is present

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Tuesday, numerous natural wet slab and wet loose avalanche activity was seen from 1200-1500 m. Storm slabs may exist in the alpine and be reactive to rider triggering at upper elevations where a surface crust does not exist.

If you're heading out in the backcountry, please consider sharing any observations on the Mountain Information Network

Snowpack Summary

At treeline and above 5 to 15 cm of new snow sits above a widespread crust and may show a poor bond. The new snow tapers with elevation loss but the surface crust continues to exist below treeline. This crust should provide a bridge over any previous layers of concern deeper in the snowpack.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries. Light wind from the northwest and alpine temperatures near -2°C. Freezing levels near 1000 m.

Thursday

Cloudy with isolated flurries. Alpine winds 10 to 15 km/h from the west. Treeline temperature near -1°C, and freezing level 1000 m.

Friday

Mostly cloudy. Alpine winds 15 to 20 km/h from the southwest and temperatures -6°C. Freezing levels near 500 m.

Saturday

Next frontal system to arrive, bringing strong south winds, snow amounts 20-30 cm at upper elevations. Freezing levels near 1200 m.

 

 

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
  • 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

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

Be on the look out for fresh storm and wind slabs anywhere that a thick crust on the surface doesn't exist.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 7th, 2023 4:00PM