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Avalanche Forecast

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

Regions: Glacier.

Reactive wind slabs are most prevalent in immediate lee features at and above Tree-line. Flurries and winds associated with their passing will continue to promote their build-up.

Santa's little helpers know that the best skiing, and it is pretty darn good right now, is on slopes sheltered from these winds.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A natural avalanche cycle on Tues was observed in the hwy corridor off Mt Macdonald's N aspect. Wind spikes and the resulting snow transport were the likely triggers.

Reactive wind slabs were noted at both Teddy Bear Trees and McGill Tues pm.

On Monday, several small, sz 1 skier-controlled avalanches from steep, unsupported rolls were noted on Perley Rock around 1900-2000m.

Snowpack Summary

Continuous snowfall the past week has brought 90+cm. Mod to strong S/SW winds formed a reactive wind slab in specific features (ridge lee areas, open cross-loaded slopes, convex rolls).

Sheltered slopes hold excellent skiing.

A persistent weak layer is down 90-120cm. 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

Continuing flurries with blustery ridge-top winds

Tonight Isolated flurries, trace amounts, Alp low -8°C, South winds 15-30 km/h, freezing level (FZL) 900m.

Thurs Flurries, 5-10 cm, Alp High -4°C, winds light S gusting 40km/h, FZL 1500m.

Fri Sun/cloud/flurries, trace snow, Alp High -7°C, light wind gusting 30km/h, FZL 1000m.

Sat Flurries, 10-15cm, Alp High -5°C, light SW winds gusting to 40km/h, FZL 1200m

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Steady, light snowfall this past week has left plenty of snow available for transport. Moderate/strong gusty winds will continue to refresh these slabs. This avalanche problem will be most reactive in the alpine and exposed areas at tree line.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2