Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 12th, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada TJ, Avalanche Canada

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Human triggered avalanches remain possible. It is prudent to remain vigilant, evaluate snow and terrain carefully, and ski lightly as a myriad of early season hazards lurk just below the surface.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Tuesday's Patrol had excellent visibility and nothing new was observed.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is 40-60cm deep and is weak and facetted. A surface hoar layer down 15-20cm. A rain crust exists below 1800m. Previous strong wind has stripped exposed alpine.

Weather Summary

The Mountain Weather Forecast is available at Avalanche Canada https://www.avalanche.ca/weather/forecast

Wednesday will be a mix of sun, clouds, flurries, High -7 °C, and light SW winds. Expect a temperature inversion and possibly gusting 70km/hr winds Wednesday. Thursday could bring 9cm of snow, -4 °C, light winds, and 1600 metre freezing level. Friday-Saturday will return to clouds, sun, and -11 to -7 °C.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Just when the winds seem to dwindle, they return. Winds picking up again on Tuesday afternoon and are forecasted to be gusting strong on Wednesday.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

The snow pack is very weak at the bottom. Natural activity has not been observed yet. Keep this on your radar as triggering remains possible with the shallow nature of the overall snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Dec 13th, 2023 4:00PM