Wind Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–2
15-20 cm of new snow on Saturday and moderate west wind have formed fresh wind slabs on lee features at treeline and above.
Avalanche forecast
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Dec 24 – 25, 2023Avalanche Canada
Archived · expired 3 years ago
Avalanche danger
Tue
Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Highlights
15-20 cm of new snow and forecast moderate west wind may form fresh wind slabs on lee features.
Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Avalanche problems
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported on Friday.
Data in this region is limited. Please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Snowpack Summary
15-20 cm of new snow on Saturday and forecast moderate west wind may form fresh wind slabs on lee features at treeline and above.
A variety of generally firm surfaces exist below the recent snow.
There is a prominent crust down 30-60 cm.
The average snow depth at treeline varies widely from 70-120 cm, with the deepest snowpack around the Fernie area. Snow depth tapers rapidly below treeline.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Clear skies, northwest alpine wind 25 to 35 km/h, treeline temperature -10 °C.
Sunday
Sunny skies, west alpine wind 25 to 35 km/h, treeline temperature -8 °C.
Monday
Sunny skies, west alpine wind 25 to 35 km/h, treeline temperature -8 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy, west alpine wind 40 to 50 km/h, treeline temperature -6 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Avoid slopes that sound hollow or drum-like.
- Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.