Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 29th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is Wind Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeRain and recent warm temperatures have significantly affected the snowpack at treeline and below. Small pockets of wind slabs may develop at upper elevations only.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanches have been reported. Recent snow, rain, and wind may have caused isolated wind slabs and wet loose avalanches in steep terrain Thursday and Friday, but field observations are limited.
Snowpack Summary
Up 15-20 cm of wet snow may be found at upper elevations, which has rapidly settled with warm temperatures on Friday. This recent snow is bonding well to the warm and moist snow beneath. The snowpack below 1500 m is either soaked with rain or slowly melting away. Total snow depths at ski hills and remote stations are 60 to 80 cm, with closer to 100 cm possible at treeline. Many areas are below the threshold depth for avalanches.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Cloudy with isolated showers, 5 mm of rain, alpine wind southeast 40 to 60 km/h, treeline temperature around +5 °C, freezing level lowering to 1900 m.
Saturday
Cloudy with 10-15 cm of snow above 1500 m (rain below), alpine wind south 50 to 70 km/h, treeline temperature around +2 °C, freezing level lowering to 1500 m by evening.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries, trace accumulation, alpine wind south 20 km/h, treeline temperature around 0 °C, freezing level around 1300 m.
Monday
Mix of sun and clouds, no precipitation, alpine wind southeast 20 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature around +2 °C, freezing level around 1500 m.
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.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
- Watch for unstable snow on specific terrain features, especially when the snow is moist or wet.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Small pockets of wind slabs may develop on lee terrain features at upper elevations with upcoming precipitations. Avalanches may be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 30th, 2023 4:00PM