Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 7th, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Avalanche danger will be the highest where new snow and wind are forming fresh wind slabs.
Snowfall and wind will vary around the region, so verify conditions in your area.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Tuesday, west of McBride, 20 cm thick wind slab avalanches were easily triggered and propagating widely on east facing slopes, but still only size 1.
Looking forward to Wednesday, we expect that fresh wind slabs will continue to form and be reactive to human triggers. These avalanches have the potential to be larger and more dangerous due to the forecasted snowfall.
Snowpack Summary
New snow and wind will likely be forming fresh wind slabs in the alpine and treeline. This covers 10 to 40 cm of faceted snow (weak, sugary crystals). The middle and lower snowpack consists of rounds and a few crust layers, these are of no concern at this time.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. Localised hotspots of 20 cm or more. 25 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C, freezing level between 750 and 1250 m.
Wednesday
Cloudy with light to moderate flurries tapering off. 30 to 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C, freezing level between 750 and 1250 m.
Thursday
Partly cloudy with light flurries. 25 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop winds, lighter on the east slopes of the rockies. Freezing level drops to valley bottom overnight and rises back to 1000-1500 m through the day, treeline high -2 °C.
Friday
Mostly cloudy with 15-25 cm of snow. Less on the east slopes of the rockies. 25 to 50 km/h northwest ridgetop winds, lighter on the east slopes of the rockies. Freezing level 1000 to 1500 m, treeline low around -5 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Stay off recently wind loaded slopes until they have had a chance to stabilize.
- Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
- Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Fresh wind slabs continue to form with new snow and moderate to strong wind. These wind slabs are likely forming over a weak, faceted surface.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 8th, 2025 4:00PM
