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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 25th, 2024–Dec 26th, 2024
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Building storm slabs in combination with buried weak layers necessitates good travel habits and lower-consequence terrain choices.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Tuesday, several skier-triggered storm slabs (size 1) were reported in the Kootenay Pass and Whitewater area. One natural storm slab was reported near Whitewater (size 2). Several skier-triggered persistent slabs (size 1) were reported in the Bonnigtons-MIN.

Looking forward to Thursday, storm slabs are expected to build throughout the day with new snow and wind. Remember that buried weak layers remain a concern, and could become more reactive with increased load.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 30 cm of new snow can be expected by end of day Thursday. Southwest winds will redistribute this new snow, forming deeper deposits on leeward slopes at higher elevations. A crust is present near the surface at lower elevations, with moist snow likely near the valley bottom where precipitation falls as rain.

The upper snowpack continues to settle and bond well following significant snowfall over the last two weeks.

Weak layers of surface hoar or facets and a crust may persist in the mid-snowpack, and snowpack tests continue to indicate potential instability.

The lower snowpack is generally strong and well-bonded.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Cloudy with up to 10 cm of new snow. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Thursday

Cloudy with up to 10 to 20 cm of new snow. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Friday

A mix of sun and cloud with up to 5 cm of new snow. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Saturday

Cloudy with up to 20 cm of new snow. 30 to 60 km/h southwest wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Fresh snow rests on a problematic persistent slab, don't let good riding lure you into complacency.
  • As the storm slab problem worsens, the easy solution is to choose more conservative terrain.
  • Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
  • Surface hoar distribution is highly variable. Avoid generalizing your observations.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

New snow accompanied by southwest wind will build fresh, reactive storm slabs throughout the day. Pay attention to changing conditions and be especially cautious in wind-loaded areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Buried weak layers of surface hoar and facets on a crust are now buried 40 to 100 cm deep. Increased load from new snow may make these layers more reactive. Be especially cautious on steep, open slopes at treeline and below.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5