Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 10th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.
MF,
Avalanche Canada
The natural avalanche cycle is mostly over but human triggered avalanches are still likely. Continue to practice conservative decision making.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Saturday a size 2 skier triggered avalanche failed as a deep persistent slab at treeline and ran 600m scrubbing to ground. One skier was caught and sustained injuries that required an overnight rescue.
On Sunday the ski hills reported explosives controlled avalanches up to size 1.5 on NE aspects mostly failing as windslabs with one stepping down to the deep persistent layer.
Snowpack Summary
Last week's storm snow has settled to 40-60cm over the Dec 2 weak layer which consists of the basal facets and surface hoar. A rain crust (1 to 7cm thick) exists within the storm snow up to 2300m on all aspects. The thickness of the rain crust tapers with increasing elevation.
Weather Summary
Mainly clear skies expected on Monday as high pressure continues to dominate. Expect light to moderate W ridgetop winds and a possible temperature inversion with alpine temps ranging from -8°C to -12°C.
Tuesday will be much the same with slightly stronger SW winds.
For more information, click Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
- Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain, avalanches may run surprisingly far.
Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
Surface windslab avalanches have the potential to step down to the basal facets resulting in large, full depth avalanches that have potential to run to below treeline elevations.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Recent strong winds have produced reactive windslabs in alpine and exposed treeline elevations.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 11th, 2023 4:00PM
