Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 13th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
mbender,
Avalanche Canada
Flurries through the day Thursday combined with moderate to strong winds will promote wind slab formation. The north of the region will likely see more snow than the south.
Summary
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
A few size 1 explosives triggered wind slab avalanches were reported on Monday.
If you go out in the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Snowpack Summary
Moderate to strong southwest winds have likely redistributed 15-35 cm of recent snow that sits on a hard melt-freeze crust. A surface hoar layer may be found beneath the crust.
The middle and base of the snowpack may still be moist from the rain last week. Sugary facets near the base of the snowpack may still exist where the rain did not penetrate through.
Snowpack depths at treeline are approximately 50 to 80 cm. The snowpack tapers drastically below treeline.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Mostly overcast. Flurries with 2-5 cm accumulation. Moderate southwest and west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -7°C
Thursday
Mainly cloudy. Light snow with 2-7 cm accumulation. Moderate to strong southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -5°C.
Friday
Mainly cloudy. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6°C.
Saturday
Mix of sun and cloud. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5°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.
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- 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
Wind Slabs
Recent snow may be reactive where wind has loaded deeper deposits over a crust.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 14th, 2023 4:00PM
