Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 29th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
IG,
Avalanche Canada
High freezing levels with intense solar could push us into Considerable hazard, pay attention to the temperature!
Please don't get complacent on your search for fresh tracks. The persistent slab problem is worth considering when pushing into bigger objectives.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
A team triggered several explosive controlled avalanches in steep north facing terrain at treeline on Wed. Avalanches were small and triggered soft wind slabs up to 40cm deep.
No new natural avalanches have been observed since Dec 23rd.
A human-triggered avalanche occurred on Video peak Saturday afternoon involving a group of 3, no injuries reported.
Recently significant human-triggered avalanches failing on the Dec 1st surface hoar layer: Balu Pk & Ursus Minor.
Weather Summary
Saturday will be a warm day, freezing levels will extend up to 2500m! The ridge of high pressure breaks down Saturday and abit of snow is on the way
Tonight: Clear periods. Alp Low 3 °C. Winds S 15-30km/hr.
Sat: A mix of sun & cloud with wet flurries. High 4°C. (fzl) 2500m. Winds: SW 13-35.
Sun: Cloudy with Flurries. Light snow, High -3°C. Fzl 1700m. Light W winds.
Mon: Cloudy. High -7 °C. Freezing level: 1100m. Light S wind.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid steep slopes when air temperatures are warm, or solar radiation is strong.
- Fresh snow rests on a problematic persistent slab, don't let good riding lure you into complacency.
- Avoid convexities, steep unsupported terrain and rocky outcroppings.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Winds have redistributed snow in the Alpine and on lee features at treeline. Expect to find it most reactive at ridge top and in lee or cross-loaded features. This layer will be more reactive if it warms up.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
A weak layer of surface hoar down 50-100 cm is slowly gaining strength. Most likely areas to trigger this problem are in shallow or variable depth snowpacks and unsupported alpine terrain. Use caution in terrain that has not previously avalanched.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 30th, 2023 4:00PM
