Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 23rd, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada Avalanche Canada, Avalanche Canada

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Continually assess conditions as you move through terrain

Strong southerly winds may form reactive wind slabs on leeward slopes at treeline and above.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No recent slab avalanches have been reported in the region.

Observations have been limited. Please consider sharing your observations through the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

By 4 pm on the 24th  up to 15 cm of new snow may have fallen. This new snow will fall on an already heavily wind affected upper pack in the alpine and at treeline.

The crust from early December is now buried 20 to 40 cm. In some areas, large surface hoar crystals are found at this interface. We are trying to track this surface hoard distribution across the region - most recently, the layer was reactive to skiers in the Ningunsaw area.

Check out this helpful MIN report.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Mostly cloudy with around 5 cm  of snow. 30 to 50 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

Tuesday

Cloudy with up to 10 cm of snow. 20 to 50 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and cloud with up to 5 cm of snow. 30 to 60 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

Thursday

Mix of sun and cloud with trace amounts of snow. 20 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid freshly wind-loaded features, especially near ridge crests, rollovers, and in steep terrain.
  • Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.
  • Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for slabs before you commit to it.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Ongoing southerly winds will continue to impact snow in open terrain. Investigate for wind slab around ridges or lee features.

Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 24th, 2024 4:00PM

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