Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 24th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs.
lbaker,
Avalanche Canada
New snow and strong winds have built touchy storm slabs at higher elevations. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended as snow and wind continue.
Happy holidays, enjoy the fresh snow!
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported in the region. We anticipate those who head into the backcountry for the holiday will see evidence of a natural avalanche cycle from within the storm.
If you head into the backcountry please consider submitting your observations to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
An additional 5- 10 cm of snow Sunday evening is expected to bring storm snow totals to 40-50 cm by morning. Strong southerly winds continue to build thick wind slabs in exposed leeward terrain. South facing slopes (windward), have likely been scoured by the strong winds or have dense, wind packed snow.
Below 1200 m, a thick crust is present approximately 50 cm above the ground. This crust is well bonded to the snow around it.
The middle and lower snowpack is reported to be well settled and bonded. Snow depth varies from 75-200 cm through this region.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Cloudy with another 5-15 cm of snow possible. Southerly alpine winds 30-50 km/h. Treeline temperatures rise to -3 °C.
Monday
Cloudy with 5-7 cm of snow. Southeasterly alpine winds 30-50 km/h. Treeline temperatures -5 °C.
Overnight flurries continue bringing another 5-15 cm of snow and 70 km/h southeasterly winds.
Tuesday
Mainly cloudy with 5-10 cm of snow. Southwesterly winds alpine 50-70 km/h. Treeline temperatures -6.
Wednesday
Partly cloudy with no precipitation. Southwesterly winds alpine 50-70 km/h. Treeline temperatures -6.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Storm snow and wind is forming touchy slabs. Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline.
- Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.
- Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
Problems
Storm Slabs
+40 cm of storm snow and strong southerly winds have formed touchy storm slabs at higher elevations. Be especially cautious around wind loaded features where storm slabs may be more cohesive and reactive to human-triggering.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 25th, 2023 4:00PM
