Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 11th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.
cgarritty,
Avalanche Canada
It's not a very friendly snowpack. Still shallow, full of weak layers, and topped by wind slab. Complicated stuff! Use low and moderately-angled terrain to simplify your risk management.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Other than a few small releases noted in this fantastic MIN report from the Seaton area on Sunday, no recent avalanches have been reported in the region.
If you do go into the backcountry, consider submitting a Mountain Information Network report.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 30 cm of recent storm snow has been redistributed by variable winds. This new snow overlies a weak, feathery layer of surface hoar at 1200 m. Below this elevation it overlies a crust.
Another surface hoar layer is down 40 to 60 cm. This layer could exist on all aspects and at all elevations.
In general, the snowpack is still shallow for this time of year with snowpack depths at treeline ranging from 50 to 100 cm. Early season hazards are still a concern.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Mainly clear with valley cloud below 1500 m. Southwest alpine wind 20-30 km/h.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries. South alpine wind 40 to 70 km/h, increasing. Treeline temperature -5.
Wednesday
Cloudy with flurries bringing up to 5 cm of new snow. Southwest alpine wind 30 to 60 km/h, easing. Treeline temperature -2.
Thursday
Clearing, with cloud remaining below 1500 m. South alpine wind 30-60 km/h, increasing. Treeline temperature -7°C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Carefully assess open slopes and convex rolls where buried surface hoar may be preserved.
Problems
Persistent Slabs
30 to 60 cm of previous storm snow is forming a slab over two different layers of large surface hoar crystals. Surface hoar is more likely to be well preserved at treeline but could exist at all elevations.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Wind direction has been variable in the past day. Wind slab could exist on all aspects at treeline and above.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 12th, 2023 4:00PM
