Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 11th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet.
lbaker,
Avalanche Canada
Watch for signs of instability throughout the day as temperatures continue to rise well above 0 °C. Be careful with sluffing in steep terrain, especially above cliffs and terrain traps.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
On Saturday a size 1, human-triggered, storm slab avalanche was observed in exposed wind-loaded features.
Thank you to everyone who has been sharing observations on the Mountain Information Network. All the information and photos are very appreciated by forecasters!
Snowpack Summary
15 to 20 cm of dense snow has buried a widespread melt-freeze crust. In isolated areas, a weak layer of surface hoar crystals rests between the crust and the new snow.
Overall, the snow depth remains relatively shallow, creating challenging travel conditions and numerous hazards at or just below the snow surface across all elevations.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Clear skies with no precipitation, northwest ridgetop winds 5 km/h, treeline temperature +2 °C, freezing levels rise to 2000 m through the night.
Tuesday
Mainly clear with no precipitation, southwest ridgetop wind 20 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature +4 °C, freezing level continues to rise to 2700 m by the afternoon.
Wednesday
Cloudy with scattered flurries, 5 to 10 mm accumulation, southwest ridgetop wind 60 to 80 km/h, treeline temperature -2 °C, freezing level drops through the day to 1000 m by afternoon.
Thursday
Cloudy with scattered flurries, 10 to 15 mm accumulation, northwest ridgetop wind 20 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -4 °C, freezing level 800 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for unstable snow on specific terrain features, especially when the snow is moist or wet.
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
- 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
20 cm of recent snow, overlies a rain crust at all elevations which provides an excellent bed surface for avalanches. Watch for signs of instability increasing as temperatures rise through the day.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 12th, 2023 4:00PM
