Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 6th, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada swerner, Avalanche Canada

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Reactive storm slabs may exist at higher elevations where snow fell rather than rain.

A thick crust on the surface will provide stable avalanche conditions at lower elevations.

Summary

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

On Tuesday, a widespread natural wet slab and wet loose avalanche cycle was reported up to size 2.5 with one size 3 that ran 700 vertical metres to the valley.

Natural avalanche activity will likely taper with cool temperatures; however, storm slabs may exist and be reactive to rider-triggering in upper elevations where a surface crust does not exist.

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

Snowpack Summary

In the alpine areas that did not receive significant rain, approximately 20 to 50 cm of dense, heavy snow sits over various layers of crusts, faceted snow, and surface hoar in sheltered areas.

At lower elevations, below roughly 1800 m, a widespread thick crust exists. This crust should provide a bridge over any previous layers of concern deeper in the snowpack.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries. Light wind from the southwest and alpine temperatures near -8°C. Freezing levels valley bottom.

Thursday

Cloudy. Alpine winds 10 to 15 km/h from the west. Treeline temperature near -4°C, and freezing level to valley bottom.

Friday

Mostly cloudy. Alpine winds 15 to 20 km/h from the southwest and temperatures -10°C. Freezing levels valley bottom.

Saturday

Next frontal system to arrive, bringing strong southwest winds, and new snow amounts 5 to 15 cm. Freezing levels valley bottom.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Don't be too cavalier with decision making, storm slabs may remain sensitive to human triggering.
  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
  • 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

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

In areas where a surface crust is not present, reactive storm slabs may exist.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 7th, 2023 4:00PM

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