Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 8th, 2023 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada isnowsell, Avalanche Canada

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Continually assess for fresh storm and wind slabs building throughout Saturday.

Summary

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported. However, observations have been minimal throughout the early winter.

If you're heading out in the backcountry, please consider sharing any observations on the Mountain Information Network

Snowpack Summary

Below treeline anywhere from 5 to 15 cm of recent snow sits overtop a widespread crust. This crust should bridge any previous layers of concern deeper in the snowpack.

The crust becomes thinner and breakable somewhere around the treeline or 1800 m and above. Approximately 20 to 30 cm of recent snow sits over various layers of crusts, moist snow, and facets.

Snow depth remains relatively shallow overall, with numerous hazards at or just below the snow surface at all elevations.

Weather Summary

Friday Night

Partly cloudy with no precipitation, southwest alpine winds 10 to 20 km/h, treeline temperature -10 °C.

Saturday

Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow, southwest alpine winds 30 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -9 °C.

Sunday

Cloudy with trace snowfall, southwest alpine winds 10 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -5 °C.

Monday

Mostly sunny with no precipitation, southwest alpine winds 10 to 20 km/h, treeline temperatures -5 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
  • Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

With new snow arriving Saturday expect to find pockets of freshly formed surface slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 9th, 2023 4:00PM