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Avalanche Forecast

Dec 24th, 2023–Dec 25th, 2023
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Avalanche hazard will increase throughout the day as storm snow accumulates. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended in the alpine.

Happy holidays, enjoy the fresh snow!

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday, a few natural wind slab avalanches were observed, size 1 to 2, on north and west aspects.

If you head into the backcountry please consider submitting your observations to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Storm snow overlies 30-40 cm of recent snow that was redistributed by strong southerly winds. At low elevations, storm snow overlies a surface crust from warm temperatures and rain.

A spotty layer of surface hoar can be found down 25-45 cm deep in sheltered terrain features at and below treeline. The distribution of this layer is not well known.

A layer of facets buried at the end of November can be found 100 to 200 cm below the surface. The snowpack depth varies between 150 and 250 cm at treeline.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Cloudy with isolated flurries, 2 to 6 cm of snow. Southerly winds, 40-60 km/h. Freezing levels remain at valley bottom, treeline temperatures near -7 °C.

Monday

Cloudy with flurries, 20 to 30 cm of snow, and southerly winds, 60-80 km/h.Freezing levels remain at valley bottom, treeline temperatures reach -5 °C.

Tuesday

Cloudy with isolated flurries, 5 cm of snow. Southwest winds, 40-70 km/h. Freezing levels rise to 1200 m, treeline temperatures around -3 °C.

Wednesday

Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries, 5 to 10 cm of snow. Southeast winds, 40-60 km/h. Freezing levels drop to valley bottom, treeline temperatures around -7 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.
  • Dial back your terrain choices if you are seeing more than 30 cm of new snow.
  • Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

+20 cm of storm snow and strong southerly winds will form fresh wind slabs in lee terrain features.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5