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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 7th, 2023–Dec 8th, 2023

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

South Rockies, Akamina, Bull, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East, Elkford West.

Conservative terrain travel is recommended, as riders could trigger storm slab avalanches.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A widespread avalanche cycle occurred over the past few days with many large avalanches observed. Storm slabs were observed at higher elevations, which transitioned to primarily loose wet activity on Thursday.

Looking to Friday, new storm slabs are the most likely avalanche problem. Assess for the bond of all the new snow prior to committing yourself in steep terrain.

Snowpack Summary

Around 25 to 50 cm of snow is expected to accumulate by Friday, with the most found at higher elevations. This snow rests on a wet snowpack that will slowly transition to a melt-freeze crust. The extensive rain from earlier this week likely moistened the entire snowpack to ground.

Snowpack depths are approximately 50 to 80 cm at treeline, which rapidly decreases as you lower in elevation.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow, southwest alpine wind 10 to 20 km/h, treeline temperature -7 °C.

Friday

Mostly cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of snow, west alpine wind 10 to 20 km/h, treeline temperature -7 °C.

Saturday

Mix of sun and cloud with no precipitation, southwest alpine wind 20 km/h, treeline temperature -10 °C.

Sunday

Cloudy with 2 to 5 cm of snow, 20 to 40 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperature -7 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Travel in alpine terrain is not recommended.
  • Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
  • Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.
  • 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

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.