Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 27th, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada ahanna, Avalanche Canada

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Recent winds have formed wind slabs at all elevations. The freshest, most reactive wind slabs may be found in atypical terrain features in the alpine.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported in the region. Winds slabs likely remain triggerable by humans.

If you head into the backcountry please consider submitting your observations to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

50-70 of recent storm snow has been redistributed by strong southerly winds at all elevations, shifting northeast and continuing to transport snow at upper elevations on Wednesday. Decent snow quality was reported in sheltered areas in this MIN from Whitepass on Tuesday.

The middle and lower snowpack is reported to be well settled, with a thick, well-bonded crust approximately 50 cm above the ground at elevations below 1200 m. Snow depth varies from 75-200 cm through the region.

Weather Summary

Wednesday night

Increasing cloud, flurries up to 5 cm. Moderate to strong northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -10 °C.

Thursday

Cloudy with flurries up to 5 cm. Light to moderate southeast wind. Treeline temperature around -11 °C. Possible temperature inversion.

Friday

Cloudy with flurries up to 5 cm. Light to moderate southeast wind. Treeline temperature around -8 °C. Possible temperature inversion.

Saturday

15-30 cm of new snow. Strong southerly wind. Treeline temperature rising to -3 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Watch for areas of hard wind slab on alpine features.
  • Stay off recently wind loaded slopes until they have had a chance to stabilize.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

50-70 cm of storm snow and recent shifting winds have formed wind slabs on a variety of aspects. The freshest, most reactive wind slabs may be found in atypical features in the alpine due to reverse-loading by northeast wind.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 28th, 2023 4:00PM