Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 7th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
If triggered, wind slabs may slide on a crust buried at the base of the snowpack.
Watch for terrain traps, like creeks and trees, that could increase the consequence of an avalanche.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported, but small avalanches are expected to have occurred on Saturday with the new snow and wind.
Snowpack Summary
Around 10 cm of new snow sits on various layers including sun crusts, surface hoar in sheltered areas, and wind-affected snow.
In the Invermere area, weak faceted snow at the base of the snowpack has caused several small but notable deep persistent slab avalanches. It's unknown if this problem extends to the wider region, so far it hasn't.
Treeline snow depths are generally 50 to 70 cm, with deeper wind-loaded pockets in the alpine.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Partly cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 30 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Sunday
A mix of sun and cloud. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Monday
Sunny. 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Tuesday
Sunny. 10 to 15 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid freshly wind-loaded terrain features.
- Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present in the snowpack.
Problems
Wind Slabs
The new snow needs time to settle and bond. Avoid steep loaded pockets and avoid being under slopes that the wind is loading.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
Avalanches on weak faceted snow at the base of the snowpack are becoming less likely, but remain possible on steep, smooth slopes. This problem seems to be local to Invermere, but information is limited.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 8th, 2024 4:00PM
