Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 27th, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada trettie, Avalanche Canada

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Watch for wind slabs in exposed terrain features as you head to higher elevations. They may be small but reactive to human triggers.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported.

If you do head into the backcountry please consider submitting observations and/or photos on the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Small wind slabs can be found in exposed terrain at higher elevations. At treeline and below the snow surface will likely be moist.

The mid and lower snowpack is made up of a series of crusts and strong, rounded grains. The snowpack is generally well consolidated.

Overall, the snow depth remains shallow, especially on south facing slopes. Below treeline, expect to encounter dirt or shallow, moist snow. Early season hazards are just below the surface.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Partially clear with up to 3 mm of mixed precipitation, south alpine wind 40 to 60 km/h, freezing level around 2000 m.

Thursday

A mix of sun and cloud with trace amounts of mixed precipitation possible, south alpine wind 25 to 60 km/h, freezing level around 2000 m.

Friday

Mostly sunny with no new snow expected, southeast  alpine wind 15 to 30 km/h, freezing level rising to 2800 m.

Saturday

A mix of sun and cloud with no new snow expected, southeast alpine wind 15 to 25 km/h, freezing level around 2400 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.
  • Even a small avalanche can be harmful if it pushes you into an obstacle or a terrain trap.
  • Avalanche danger is often elevated in alpine gullies where snow has accumulated.
  • Travelling on skis is hazardous due to a very shallow mountain snowpack.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Light snowfall and strong winds may have built wind slab on north and east facing terrain features as well as cross loaded other aspects. During periods of very strong wind, expect wind slabs to be located lower on lee slopes.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Dec 28th, 2023 4:00PM

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