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Avalanche Forecast

Dec 26th, 2024–Dec 27th, 2024
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Birkenhead, Duffey, South Chilcotin, South Coast Inland, Stein, Taseko.

Start with simple terrain as you gather information about reactive wind slabs.

These slabs could step down to deeper layers creating larger than expected avalanches.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Monday, numerous naturally occurring size 1 to 2 wind slabs and cornice falls were observed across the region, as well as one size 1.5 rider-triggered avalanche.

On Sunday, riders reported shooting cracks and small reactive wind slabs near Vantage Ridge.

Looking forward, we expect winds slabs to remain reactive to human triggers, particularly on upper elevations and lee slopes.

Snowpack Summary

10 to 15 cm of snow at upper elevations in the last 24 hours has likely been redistributed by moderate to strong southerly winds and built reactive cornices and deposits of reactive slab on lee slopes.

The accumulated storm snow may be poorly bonded to an underlying crust, which could result in very large avalanches. This crust is 60 to 100 cm deep. A layer of surface hoar may exist just above this crust in sheltered terrain at treeline.

Snow depths at treeline vary between 90 to 140 cm.

Weather Summary

Thursday NightCloudy. 10 to 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Freezing level dropping to valley bottom.

FridayPartly cloudy. 5 to 10 km/h variable ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.

Saturday

Cloudy with up to 6 cm of new snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 700 m.

Sunday

Partly cloudy. 10 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 700 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to a buried crust.
  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.
  • Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are likely to be thicker and more reactive on lee slopes.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5