Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 16th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
mbender,
Avalanche Canada
Be cautious of wind slabs in steep alpine terrain.
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
There were a few size 1-1.5 explosives triggered avalanches on east and southeast aspects in the alpine on Saturday.
Snowpack Summary
30 to 60 cm of dry snow sits above a rain crust. The greatest amounts are likely around Fernie, but any leeward terrain could have deeper deposits due to the recent southwest wind. Reports suggest the snow is bonding well to the crust. You may also find a thin crust near the surface in some areas. The lower snowpack was rain-soaked and has slowly refrozen. Typical snowpack depths at treeline are 75 to 130 cm, and taper rapidly below treeline.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Mainly cloudy, alpine wind west 20 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -7 °C with a possible temperature inversion.
Sunday
Mix of sun and cloud with no precipitation, alpine wind west 15 to 20 km/h, treeline temperature -4 °C with a possible temperature inversion.
MondayMostly sunny with no precipitation, alpine wind southwest 10 to 20 km/h, treeline temperature -3 °C.
TuesdayCloudy with flurries, alpine wind southwest 20 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -4°C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
- 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
Wind Slabs
Thin wind slab avalanches may remain possible to trigger on leeward terrain features such as ridgecrests and roll-overs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 17th, 2023 4:00PM
