Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 17th, 2023 4:00PM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Wet.

Avalanche Canada trettie, Avalanche Canada

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Back off steep slopes when the snow surface feels wet. Wet loose avalanches are possible due to sustained high freezing levels.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported in the region.

If you do head into the backcountry please submit any observations and/or photos on the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Warm temperatures and sun may moisten the surface snow and break down crusts likely formed overnight. A widespread layer of breakable crust with surface hoar is buried around 5-10 cm deep, under wind affected snow.

The mid and lower snowpack is made up of a series of crusts and rounded grains. The snowpack is generally well consolidated.

Overall, the snow depth remains shallow, hiding early season hazards just below the snow surface.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Partially clear with no new snow expected, south alpine wind 15 to 30 km/h, freezing level around 2500 m.

Monday

A mix of sun and cloud with trace amounts of rain possible, south alpine wind increasing to 40 km/h, freezing level around 2700 m.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy with trace amounts of mixed precipitation expected, south alpine wind 10 to 25 km/h, freezing level around 2400 m.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy with 3 cm of snow possible in the alpine, rain below, southwest alpine wind 15 to 40 km/h, freezing level around 2100 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid sun exposed slopes, especially if snow surface is moist or wet.
  • A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
  • Even a small avalanche can be harmful if it pushes you into an obstacle or a terrain trap.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

With sustained high freezing levels wet loose avalanches are possible on steep slopes at all elevations.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Dec 18th, 2023 4:00PM