Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 18th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Persistent Slabs, Wind Slabs and Loose Wet.
trettie,
Avalanche Canada
Continuously assess conditions as you move through terrain. Avalanche problems will change over elevation and time.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
A few small wet loose avalanches have been reported in the past couple days.
If you're heading out in the backcountry, please consider sharing any observations on the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
New snow will likely form wind slab throughout the day in the alpine. At treeline and below precipitation is likely to fall as rain making the snow surface moist.
A 1-2 cm crust is buried around 10 to 30 cm deep. This crust extends into the alpine and is combined with a layer of surface hoar in sheltered areas.
At treeline and above two layers of concern are buried around 40 and 60 cm deep. Both consist of a crust that tapers at higher elevations, and surface hoar in sheltered areas. No recent activity has been reported on these layers but they continue to be reactive in testing.
Overall, the snow depth remains shallow, hiding early season hazards just below the snow surface.
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Weather Summary
Monday Night
Cloudy with around 5 cm of new snow expected at treeline and above, southeast alpine wind 20 to 40 km/h, freezing level around 2000 m.
Tuesday
Cloudy with around 10 cm of new snow expected at treeline and above, southeast alpine wind 20 to 40 km/h, freezing level around 2200 m.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy with trace amounts of mixed precipitation expected, south alpine wind 10 to 30 km/h, freezing level around 2000 m.
Thursday
A mix of sun and cloud with trace amounts of new snow expected, southwest alpine wind 25 to 50 km/h, freezing level around 1900 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
- Carefully assess open slopes and convex rolls where buried surface hoar may be preserved.
- Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.
- As surface loses cohesion due to melting, loose wet avalanches become common in steeper terrain.
Problems
Persistent Slabs
Large surface hoar is buried 40 to 80 cm deep. Triggering this layer is most likely above 1900 m. Warm temperatures and rain may increase reactivity. Investigate open slopes and convex rolls where buried surface hoar may be preserved.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
New snow may form wind slab at upper elevations on northerly aspects.
Aspects: North, North East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Wet loose avalanches are possible on steep terrain due to warm temperatures and rain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 19th, 2023 4:00PM
