Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 20th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Wind-loaded terrain will be the main concern at upper elevations, while the potential for buried surface hoar necessitates caution in steep openings at treeline and below.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
A widespread natural avalanche cycle took place during the storm on Wednesday.
On Thursday, explosive control near Fernie produced several storm and wind slabs up to size 2. A notable sled-triggered wind slab was reported at Coal Creek from a ridgetop, wind-loaded feature. More details can be seen here.
Snowpack Summary
Recent snowfall has brought up to 40 cm of snow, with deeper deposits accumulating in lee-facing terrain at higher elevations due to southwest winds.
The mid and lower snowpack is generally well-settled and stable. However, there is some uncertainty about a potential surface hoar layer buried 50 to 80 cm deep, which could be reactive on isolated, steep, sheltered slopes around treeline and below.
Snow depths at treeline range from 120 to 180 cm.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Cloudy with isolated flurries. 20 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C.
Saturday
A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. 15 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2200 m.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy with up to 2 cm of new snow. 20 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.
Monday
Cloudy with up to 2 cm of new snow. 20 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
- Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
- Approach steep and open slopes at and below treeline cautiously, as buried surface hoar may exist.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Recently formed storm slabs may remain reactive in wind-loaded terrain.
A buried surface hoar layer at treeline and below could increase the reactivity and persistence of slabs in steep terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 21st, 2024 4:00PM
