Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 19th, 2023 1:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada Mikey, Avalanche Canada

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Generally a weak snowpack. Approach all features with care and take the time to dig and look at the snow layers.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed or reported today

Snowpack Summary

The forecasting crew went to Burstall Pass today and found the height of snow to average around 60cm with wind slabs covering most of the landscape. Halfway up the snowpack, there is a significant ice crust which produced moderate test results. The bottom half of the snowpack is mostly made up of facets and depth hoar. Generally speaking, we have a below than average snowpack which is fairly weak.

Weather Summary

Wednesday will bring mostly a cloudy day with some light flurries and warm temperatures. Freezing level is expected to be at 2000m. Winds are expected to be up to 40km/hr from the West in the alpine.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
  • Avoid rock outcroppings, convexities, and anywhere the snowpack is thin and/or variable.
  • Watch for areas of hard wind slab on alpine features.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Wind slabs/ old windslabs are present in almost all lee and cross-loaded features. Human triggering is still a concern.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

Be mindful of the weak layers towards the base of the snowpack. Thin rocky areas may propagate out to thicker areas.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

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

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