Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 23rd, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
Parks Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Strong southerly winds overnight on Monday - Tuesday will rapidly build wind slabs.
Make conservative choices if the forecasted winds materialize.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Limited visibility on Monday
Several natural avalanches up to size 2 were observed in the highway corridor on Sunday from steep, north-facing slopes in the alpine. These avalanches occurred due to a previous wind spike.
A natural avalanche cycle is expected on Tuesday.
Snowpack Summary
We've received ~80cm of new snow since Dec 18th. This recent snow has fallen with moderate Southerly winds which are forecast to rise rapidly overnight- Tuesday. Expect wind slabs to build quickly! A persistent weak layer is down 80-110cm. This interface is breaking down, but consists of surface hoar in sheltered locations, and a sun crust on solar aspects. The snowpack's base is comprised of several early-season melt-freeze rain crusts
Weather Summary
A series of low pressure systems will bring some precipitation and strong wind.
Tonight Flurries. Accumulation 5 cm. Ridge wind S 20 km/h gusting to 55.
Tues Flurries. Accumulation 6 cm. Alpine high -3 °C. Ridge wind SW 20 gusting to 55. Freezing level (FZL) 1600m.
Wed Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries. Trace precipitation. Alpine High -7. Ridge wind SW 20-40. FZL 1100m.
Thurs Flurries. 12 cm. Wind S 15 gusting 70
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
- Pay attention to the wind; once it starts to blow, sensitive wind slabs are likely to form.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Incremental loading over the weekend followed by 10cm on Tuesday has made plenty of snow available for transport. Moderate to Strong wind Monday night and Tues will rapidly increase the wind slab hazard. This avalanche problem will be most reactive in the alpine and exposed areas at tree line.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 24th, 2024 4:00PM
