Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 21st, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Keep an eye out for signs of instability and continually assess conditions as you move through terrain.
Storm slabs have the potential for wide propagation due to buried weak layers.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Thursday, a skier triggered size 2 persistent slab avalanche was reported. This avalanche was on an east aspect at 2100 m. It released on the layer of surface hoar mentioned in the snowpack summary.
No other new avalanches have been reported, but observations have been limited. We expect reactive deposits of new snow will exist, particularly at upper elevations.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 15 cm of new snow may have fallen by the end of the day on the 22nd. Strong southerly winds are expected to form deeper deposits on north-facing slopes.
A crust or moist snow will be observed on the surface at lower elevations.
30 to 60 cm of snow overlies a crust on south aspects and all aspects below 1800 m from early December. A layer of surface hoar could be found just above this layer in sheltered terrain at treeline.
Snow depths at treeline are around 90 to 140 cm. You can check out a snowpack conditions update here.
Weather Summary
Saturday NightCloudy with up to 2 cm of snow. 25 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Sunday
Cloudy with 1 to 5 mm of precipitation, falling as snow above 1000 m. 30 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level around 1500 m.
Monday
A mix of cloud and clear skies with up to 5 mm of mixed precipitation. 30 to 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
TuesdayCloudy with up to 5 mm of mixed precipitation. 50 to 80 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
- Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Be alert to conditions that change with aspect and elevation.
- Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried surface hoar.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Rider triggerable storm slabs may still be found at higher elevations. Deposits are likely to be deeper and more reactive on lee slopes.
Be aware of the potential for wide propagation due to buried weak layers.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 22nd, 2024 4:00PM
