Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 19th, 2023 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Wet.

Avalanche Canada trettie, Avalanche Canada

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Carefully assess conditions as you gain elevation. At elevations where precipitation fell as snow wind slabs are possible, where precip fell as rain the problem is most likely wet loose.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A few small wet loose avalanches have been observed in steep terrain over the past few days.

If you're heading out in the backcountry, please consider sharing any observations on the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

New snow will likely form wind slab throughout the day in the alpine. At treeline and below precipitation is likely to fall as rain making the snow surface moist.

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

Tuesday Night

Mostly cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of new snow expected, south alpine wind 15 to 40  km/h, freezing level around 1800 m.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy with up to 3 cm of new snow expected, south alpine wind 10 to 30 km/h, freezing level around 1800 m.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy with around 5 cm of new snow expected, southwest alpine wind 25 to 50 km/h, freezing level around 1700 m.

Friday

Cloudy with 10 to 15 cm of new snow expected, southwest alpine wind 25 to 50 km/h, freezing level around 1700 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
  • Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.
  • As surface loses cohesion due to melting, loose wet avalanches become common in steeper terrain.
  • Adjust your travel plans accordingly to the changing conditions of elevation and time of day.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

New snow may form wind slab at upper elevations on northerly aspects and crossload east and west aspects.

Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Wet loose avalanches are possible on steep terrain due to warm temperatures and rain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Dec 20th, 2023 4:00PM

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