Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 18th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is Loose Wet.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeContinued warm and wet conditions at all elevations have set the stage for small human-triggered wet avalanches. Caution when travelling near or around terrain traps.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
There have been no reported avalanches in our region.
Please help out your backcountry community by submitting a MIN report if you head out to the backcountry.
Snowpack Summary
The snowpack has rapidly diminished over the past 3 days due to warm temperatures and rain. Uncompacted areas are transitioning to isothermal conditions to the ground, and the crusts within the snowpack are deteriorating. Snow depth varies significantly based on the aspect, ranging from 50-100 cm and continue decreasing rapidly below the 1000-meter elevation mark.
The snowpack has yet to cover many early-season hazards and large areas of terrain are below avalanche threshold. Only specific terrain features with smooth ground cover, gullies, or established avalanche paths are above the threshold for avalanches.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Mostly cloudy, 15-40 mm of precipitation with a mix of snow and rain, ridgetop wind south 50 to 60 km/h, freezing levels around 2500 m.Â
Tuesday
Cloudy, 5 to 10 mm of precipitation, ridgetop wind south 25 km/h, freezing levels 2000 m.
Wednesday
Cloudy, 5 to 10 mm of precipitation, ridgetop wind south 5 to 15 km/h, freezing levels 2000 m.
Thursday
Cloudy, 1 to 5 mm of precipitation, ridgetop wind south 5 to 15 km/h, freezing levels descend to 1000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- 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
Loose Wet
Rain and warm temperatures may create the conditions for human and natural triggered avalanches.
Exercise caution near terrain traps; a small avalanche could pose risks, pushing riders into features like cliffs or gullies.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 19th, 2023 4:00PM