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Avalanche Forecast

Dec 27th, 2023–Dec 28th, 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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: East Island, North Island, South Island, Vancouver Island, West Island.

Watch for higher levels of snowfall on the west island and at higher elevations.

Storm problems will transition to wet snow problems as temperatures rise

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported. Our field team did note some pinwheeling and loose wet debris was present while out on Wednesday.

Please help out your backcountry community by submitting a MIN report if you head out to the backcountry.

Snowpack Summary

10-30 cm of storm snow has fallen on a melt freeze crust that formed over the holidays. Above 1500 m this snow may remain dry and available for transport by the strong southerly winds forming wind slabs. Where the temperature has warmed above 0 °C, this snow will be moist to wet and settling rapidly. Beneath this there is moist snow to ground. Below treeline, you'll find dirt, or shallow and wet snow.

The current snow depth ranges from 70 to 120 cm at treeline, diminishing rapidly below 1000 m.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Cloudy with 20-70 mm of precipitation, higher accumulation on the west side of the island. Freezing levels 1500 m, but snow may fall as low as 1000 m. Treeline temperature around 0°C. Southerly winds, 60-80 km/h.

Thursday

Cloudy with 10-25 mm of precipitation. Freezing levels rise to 1800 m. Treeline temperature around 4 °C. Southerly winds, 50-70 km/h.

Friday

Cloudy with 15-25mm of precipitation. Freezing levels rising to above mountain tops. Treeline temperature around 4 °C. Southerly winds, 60-80 km/h.

Saturday

Overcast with clouds breaking late in the day. Trace to 10 mm precipitation. Freezing levels falling to 1800 m. Treeline temperatures around 1 °C. Southerly winds, 40-60 km/h.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from rain.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Watch for increased wind loading and sensitivity on NW through NE aspects.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Wet

Watch for wet snow becoming reactive in steep terrain with the warming temperatures and rain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2