Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 25th, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada jsmith, Avalanche Canada

Email

Forecast wind may form fresh wind slabs on lee features at treeline and above.

Avoid steep, rocky, and wind affected areas where triggering slabs are more likely.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported on Sunday.

Data in this region is limited. Please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

10-15 cm of recent snow and strong northwest wind formed wind slabs on lee features in the alpine.

The recent snow is sitting on a hard crust. Below this crust, a weak layer of surface hoar is present in some areas.

A second crust layer is down 40-60 cm.

Average snowpack depths at treeline are 70-130 cm. Snow depth tapers rapidly below treeline.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Cloudy skies, south alpine wind 40 km/h, treeline temperature -7 °C.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy, southwest alpine wind 30 km/h, treeline temperature -3 °C.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and cloud, south alpine wind 40 km/h, treeline temperature -3 °C.

Thursday

Cloudy, southwest alpine wind 40 km/h, treeline temperature -1 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
  • Avoid slopes that sound hollow or drum-like.
  • 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

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

In areas where there is still snow available for transport, forecast moderate to strong wind may form fresh wind slabs on lee features at treeline and above.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 26th, 2023 4:00PM