Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 21st, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
bchristie,
Avalanche Canada
Carefully assess conditions as you gain elevation. In wind exposed terrain above the freezing line, wind slabs are possible.
At low elevations, you'll find a wet and compacted snowpack.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported before Thursday at 4pm.
Small, naturally triggered wet loose avalanches have been observed in steep terrain over the past few days, as well as a couple small, explosive triggered storm slabs in steep alpine terrain.
If you're heading out in the backcountry, please consider sharing any observations on the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
Mixed precipitation continues as the freezing level falls with moderate wind in some areas. This covers old wind slabs and crusts in the alpine, and wet surfaces at treeline and below.
At treeline and above two layers of note are buried around 30 to 70 cm deep. Both consist of a crust that tapers at higher elevations, and surface hoar in sheltered areas.
Overall, the snow depth remains shallow, with average treeline snowpack depths between 70 and 100 cm.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Cloudy. 2-5 cm of snow expected above 1700 m. Light to moderate south or southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around 0 °C.
Friday
Cloudy. 10 to 15 cm of new snow expected. The storm will start with rain below 1500 m, but the freezing level will be at valley bottom by the end of the day. Light to moderate southwest ridgetop wind.
Saturday
Partly cloudy. No new snow expected. Light southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline high around -7 °C.
Sunday
Mostly Sunny. No new snow expected. Light south ridgetop wind. Treeline high around -4 °C, possible temperature inversion.
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.
- Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
- Adjust your travel plans accordingly to the changing conditions of elevation and time of day.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Fresh wind slabs could avalanche under the weight of a human, and may get deeper and more reactive through the day, depending on your local wind and snowfall.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 22nd, 2023 4:00PM
