Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 6th, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada jleblanc, Avalanche Canada

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Yukon, Tutshi, Wheaton, White Pass East, White Pass West.

Expect strong wind to form fresh and reactive wind slabs in the alpine.

Watch for rapidly changing conditions as you gain elevation.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Very limited visibility restricted observations in the region, but avalanche activity has likely occurred during the last storm on Tuesday-Wednesday.

If you do go into the backcountry, consider submitting a Mountain Information Network report.

Snowpack Summary

At lower elevations, 20-30 cm of storm snow is overlying a thick crust near the surface. Despite the storm, the snowpack remains shallow, with open creeks, exposed rocks, and other early-season hazards.

In the alpine, reports suggest that much more snow has accumulated but is likely been redistributed by strong southerly winds. On sheltered and planar slopes, up to 100-125 cm of well-settled snow is topped with 50 cm + of recent powder. A crust is buried anywhere from 0 to 60 cm, depending on the wind exposure and elevation.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Up to 5 cm of snow, southwesterly alpine wind 40-50 km/h, treeline temperature around -5 °C.

Thursday

Up to 5 cm of snow, southwesterly alpine wind 40-60 km/h, treeline temperature around -5 °C.

Friday

5-10 cm of snow, southwesterly alpine wind 60-90 km/h, treeline temperature -10 °C.

Saturday

Up to 5 cm of snow, southeasterly alpine wind 30-40 km/h, treeline temperature around -12 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
  • Avalanche danger is often elevated in alpine gullies where snow has accumulated.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Wind slabs will remain reactive to riders as the wind transports the recent storm snow. Be careful around leeward and cross-loaded terrain features, especially near ridge tops, alpine bowls and gullies where triggering is likely.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 7th, 2023 4:00PM

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