Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 10th, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada lbaker, Avalanche Canada

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Identify features of concern as you move through the terrain by continually investigating the bond between storm snow and the underlying crust.

Summary

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

Several natural, size 1, loose wet avalanches were observed on all aspects on Sunday. Backcountry users should expect to see evidence of a natural storm slab cycle from within the storm at higher elevations, where the new snow is not bonding well to the underlying crust.

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

Snowpack Summary

10 to 25 cm of storm snow sits overtop a widespread thick rain crust. Below the crust, the snowpack is generally well consolidated.

Overall, the snow depth remains relatively shallow, creating challenging travel conditions and numerous hazards at or just below the snow surface across all elevations.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Cloudy with 2 to 5 cm of snow, southwest alpine winds 20 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature 0 °C, freezing level drops to 1500 m overnight.

Monday

Mix of sun and cloud with no precipitation, southwest alpine winds 10 km/h, treeline temperature -3 °C, freezing level 1500 m.

Tuesday

Mainly sunny with no precipitation, southwest alpine winds 20 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -2 °C, in the afternoon freezing levels rise from 1600 m to 3000 m overnight.

Wednesday

Mainly cloudy with no precipitation, southwest alpine winds 50 to 70 km/h, treeline temperature +2 °C, freezing level drop through the day from 3000 m to 1500 m by end of the day.

 

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Use small low consequence slopes to test the bond of the new snow.
  • Keep in mind the crust offers an excellent bed surface for avalanches.
  • 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

Up to 25 cm of storm snow with little wind effect, overlies a rain crust at all elevations. Investigate the bond of recent storm snow to the underlying crust before committing to the slope.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 11th, 2023 4:00PM