Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 22nd, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
jpercival,
Avalanche Canada
Carefully assess conditions as you gain elevation. In wind exposed terrain above the freezing line, wind slabs are possible.
At low elevations, expect the snowpack to be moist.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported before Friday at 4pm.
Small, naturally triggered wet loose avalanches have been observed in steep terrain over the past few days, as well as a couple small, explosive triggered storm slabs in steep alpine terrain.
If you're heading out in the backcountry, please consider sharing any observations on the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
Mixed precipitation continues as the freezing level falls with moderate wind in some areas. This covers old wind slabs and crusts in the alpine, and wet surfaces at treeline and below.
At treeline and above two layers of note are buried around 30 to 70 cm deep. Both consist of a crust that tapers at higher elevations, and surface hoar in sheltered areas.
Overall, the snow depth remains shallow, with average treeline snowpack depths between 70 and 100 cm.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Mostly cloudy. A trace of new snow expected above 500 m. Moderate east ridgetop wind. Treeline low around -5°C.
Saturday
Partly cloudy. A trace of snow expected. . Treeline temperature around -5 °C. Freezing level around 500 m. Light southwest ridgetop wind
Sunday
Periods of clearing. No new snow expected. Treeline temperature around 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 1000 m, possible temperature inversion. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind.
Monday
Mostly cloudy. A trace of new snow expected above. Freezing level around 1200 m. Strong south ridgetop wind. Treeline low around -1°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.
- Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent wind slabs developed during a warm period and with the introduction of cooler weather are expected to have bonded reasonably well to the old surfaces.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 23rd, 2023 4:00PM
