Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 18th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Wet.
trettie,
Avalanche Canada
UPDATED ON TUESDAY AT 6:10 AM: Precipitation only appears to be falling as snow at alpine elevations. Be careful around slopes with accumulations of fresh snow.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
We expect that avalanche activity will increase through the day on Tuesday.
Please share any observations or photos on the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
New snow will likely form storm slab at treeline and above. Below this elevation new precipitation will likely fall as rain, keeping the surface moist. There is some uncertainty in how this new snow will bond to the surface it is falling on.
The mid pack contains a few crusts that may have surface hoar above them.
The snowpack is still shallow for this time of year with the average depth at treeline around 125 cm.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Cloudy with 15 to 20 cm of new snow expected at treeline and above, southeast alpine wind 20 to 40 km/h, freezing level around 2100 m.
Tuesday
Cloudy with 10 to 15 cm of new snow expected at treeline and above, southeast alpine wind 20 to 40 km/h, freezing level around 2300 m.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy with trace amounts of mixed precipitation expected, south alpine wind 10 to 30 km/h, freezing level around 2000 m.
Thursday
A mix of sun and cloud with trace amounts of new snow expected, southwest alpine wind 25 to 50 km/h, freezing level around 2000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind or rain.
- Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.
- Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.
- The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.
Problems
Storm Slabs
At elevations where precipitation falls as snow new storm slabs will form throughout the day. The largest and most reactive slabs will likely be found on north facing slopes where wind loading is a factor.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Wet loose avalanches are possible on steep slopes due to rain and elevated freezing levels.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 19th, 2023 4:00PM
