Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 14th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
lbaker,
Avalanche Canada
Heightened avalanche conditions exist on wind loaded features in the alpine. Avoid freshly loaded terrain features, especially around ridge crests, roll-overs and steep terrain.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanches have been reported in the region.
Last weekend several size 2, natural storm slab avalanches were observed, failing on the buried surface hoar layer down 60 to 70 cm at upper treeline. Avalanche activity has not been observed on these layers in the last few days however, they continue to be reactive in snowpack tests.
If you're heading out in the backcountry, please consider sharing any observations on the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
15 cm of storm snow in the northern half of the region tapers to 5 cm in the Duffey. The storm snow overlies variable surfaces including wind affected surfaces in the alpine, surface hoar in sheltered areas and a crust at lower elevations.
At treeline and above, two layers of concern exist in the mid-pack. Both layers consist of a crust that tapers at higher elevations covered by a layer of fragile surface hoar in sheltered areas. These layers are found down around 30 cm and 50 cm. No recent avalanche activity has been reported on these layers but they continue to be reactive in snowpack tests.
The snowpack remains shallow for the time of year. Snowpack depths at treeline range from 80 to 120 cm.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Partly cloudy with no precipitation, southwest ridgetop wind increases from 20 to 40 km/h through the night, treeline temperature -3 °C, freezing levels 1000 m.
Friday
Cloudy with isolated flurries, trace accumulation, southwest alpine winds 30 to 50 km/h, treeline temperature -2 °C, freezing levels rise to 1500 m.
Saturday
Partly cloudy with no precipitation, west alpine winds 50 to 60 km/h, treeline temperature -2 °C, freezing levels 1000 m.
Sunday
Partly cloudy with no precipitation, west alpine winds 30 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -1 °C, a weak above freezing layer is present from 1400 to 3000m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Pay attention to the wind, once it starts to blow fresh sensitive wind slabs are likely to form.
- Be aware of the potential for larger than expected storm slabs due to the presence of buried surface hoar.
- Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
Problems
Wind Slabs
15 cm of storm snow and strong southwest winds are creating cohesive slabs in lee features at higher elevations. Investigate the bond of new snow to surfaces below before committing to your line.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
A weak layer of large surface hoar is found down 30 to 50 cm. Human-triggering this layer above 1900 m is still possible. Investigate open slopes and convex rolls where buried surface hoar may be preserved before stepping out.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 15th, 2023 4:00PM
