Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 9th, 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 isnowsell, Avalanche Canada

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New snow has been accompanied with strong alpine winds and may be burying a weak layer of surface hoar.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported since the rain event earlier this week.

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

Snowpack Summary

Approximately 30 cm of recent snow now blankets a melt-freeze crust. Pockets of deeper wind-deposited snow can be found at treeline and above. In wind-sheltered terrain, a layer of surface hoar may be buried by Saturday's snowfall.

Overall, the snow depth remains relatively shallow, with numerous hazards present at or just below the snow surface across all elevations.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Cloudy with 2 to 5 cm of snow, southwest alpine winds 20 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -3 °C.

Sunday

Cloudy with trace amounts of snow, southwest alpine winds 10 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature - 0 °C.

Monday

Mostly clear with no precipitation, southeast alpine winds 10 to 20 km/h, treeline temperature -3 °C.

Tuesday

Mix of sun and cloud with no precipitation, southwest alpine winds 20 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -3 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
  • 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

Recent snow and wind have created reactive surface slabs at higher elevations. New snow may have buried a layer of surface hoar.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 10th, 2023 4:00PM

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