Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 23rd, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
jpercival,
Avalanche Canada
Avalanches are possible in wind loaded terrain.
Anticipate variable snow conditions and travel carefully due to early season hazards.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported before 4pm on Saturday.
Small, naturally triggered wet loose avalanches were observed in steep, rocky terrain on Wednesday.
If you do head into the backcountry please consider submitting observations and/or photos on the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
The past storm brought a variety of snow depths from 10 to 20 cm . This new snow arrived warm and departed the area cold. The new snow is likely to have adhered well to the warm surfaces. Avalanches are anticipated primarily in upper treeline locations where strong southwest winds have built up deeper layers of snow over existing, smooth, and firm surfaces. Below the treeline, expect to encounter dirt or shallow, dense, moist, or wet snow.
The mid and lower snowpack is made up of a series of crusts and rounded grains. The snowpack is generally well consolidated.
Overall, the snow depth remains shallow, especially on south facing slopes. Early season hazards are just below the surface.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Partly cloudy. No new snow expected. Treeline temperature around -5 °C. Freezing level 500 m. Light southwest ridgetop wind
Sunday
Mostly clear. No new snow expected. Treeline temperature around -1 °C. Freezing level rising to 1200 m, possible temperature inversion. Strong south ridgetop wind.
Monday
Partly cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of new snow expected. Treeline temperature around -1 °C. Freezing level around 1200 m. Moderate to strong south ridgetop wind.
Tuesday
Partly cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of new snow expected. Treeline temperature around 0 °C. Freezing level around 1400 m. Moderate to strong south ridgetop wind.
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.
- Even a small avalanche can be harmful if it pushes you into an obstacle or a terrain trap.
- Travelling on skis is hazardous due to a very shallow mountain snowpack.
Problems
Wind Slabs
The previous storm arrived warm and departed cold. Where precipitation fell as snow, its expected to have bonded well to the old surfaces. Avalanches are most likely where strong winds are forming deeper pockets of snow.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 24th, 2023 4:00PM
