Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 16th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
rgoddard,
Avalanche Canada
Make conservative terrain choices as our region is hit with another storm.
Monitor how new snow bonds to old surfaces.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanche activity reported since Wednesday. Incoming storm snow and winds are expected to increase the likelihood of human and natural-caused avalanches.
Check out Wednesday's report from our Avalanche Canada field team.
If you do go into the backcountry, consider submitting a Mountain Information Network report.
Snowpack Summary
New snow will be falling on wind stripped south-facing slopes and deep deposits of wind-loaded snow on north and north-facing aspects and lee features.
There may be stiff wind slab underneath new fluffy snow, be sure to dig and investigate. Limited field observations mean we do not know if the new snow is bonding well to the old snow surface.
Treeline snow depth ranges from 100 to 120 cm, however, snow depths overall remain highly variable.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy, 5 to 10 cm accumulation, ridgetop winds southwest 55 to 65 km/h, treeline temperature - 6 °C.
Sunday
Cloudy, 10 to 20 cm accumulation, ridgetop southwest winds 45 km/h gusting to 75, treeline temperature -3 °C.
Monday
Partly cloudy, trace accumulation, ridgetop winds variable 10 km/h, treeline temperature -8 °C.
Tuesday
Sunny with cloudy periods, no accumulation, ridgetop winds south 15 km/h treeline temperature -12 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid freshly wind loaded terrain features.
- Choose low-angled, sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
- Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Snow starting Saturday night continues throughout the day on Sunday. Accompanied winds will transport the new snow and develop reactive wind slabs.
Reactive storm slabs should be expected in sheltered areas.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 17th, 2023 4:00PM
