Dashboard Regions Weather Stations Radar Alerts Glossary
Contact About
Log In

Register for an account and never miss a forecast again!

Register

Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 23rd, 2024–Dec 24th, 2024

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

Cariboos, North Columbia, Blue River, Clearwater, McBride, Premier, Quesnel, Clemina, Esplanade, Jordan, North Monashee, North Selkirk.

Watch for fresh wind slabs on steep slopes in the alpine and at treeline

The best riding will be in sheltered terrain

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Wind loaded features continue to show reactivity in the south of the region, with recent natural activity observed and some human triggering.

Reactivity and distribution of the early December interface is not well understood, on Saturday size 2 remotely triggered slabs were reported on west facing slopes at 2200 m near Revelstoke. This layer is likely most triggerable in areas where the snowpack is thinner, and sheltered from wind.

Snowpack Summary

Recent snowfall is beginning to settle and bond to old snow surfaces, with wind effect at higher elevations. South facing slopes may hold a surface crust.

A layer of surface hoar, crust or facets (or a combination) exists 50-100 cm deep. Reports indicate this layer is hard to find and not a concern north of Highway 5. In terrain closer to Revelstoke, this layer has shown reactivity to remote triggers on west facing slopes at 2200 m. Reactivity is not well understood at this time, as no further avalanches have been reported. Surface hoar is most likely to be preserved in large, open sheltered slopes at treeline.

HS at treeline measures 120-150 cm. Cornices may be large, and weakened from the mild temperatures.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Mostly cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing levels around 700 m except for near Quesnel which remains around 1500 m.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy with up to 10 cm of snow. 40 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy with another 5 cm of snow possible. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy with another 5 to 10 cm of snow possible. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind 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.