Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 3rd, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Dry.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
As winds pick up, expect fresh and sensitive wind slabs to form near ridge crests. Watch for areas where deep pillows of snow accumulate.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Thursday a few small (size 1) dry loose avalanches have been reported. Tuesday and Wednesday, explosive avalanche control and testing near Fernie, produced numerous small (size 1 to 1.5) slab avalanches. These failed on the storm interface that was down approximately 20 cm.
If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a MIN report!
Snowpack Summary
Surface snow of up to 10 cm is dry and unconsolidated and when the wind begins to increase, it will easily be transported and begin to form windslabs. Below this, past storm snow accumulations vary across the region from 30 to 50 cm and are settling. Below 1500 m elevation a previously moist surface is now dense and refrozen.
The mid and lower snowpack is generally well-settled and stable.
Snow depths at treeline range from 140 to 220 cm.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Cloudy, with snowfall 5 to 10 cm. 10 to 25 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Saturday
Cloudy with light snowfall 1 to 5 cm. 5 to 15 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Sunday
Cloudy, with light snowfall 1 to 5 cm. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Monday
Cloudy. 1 to 5 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Pay attention to the wind; once it starts to blow, sensitive wind slabs are likely to form.
- Be careful with sluffing in steep terrain, especially above cliffs and terrain traps.
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
Problems
Wind Slabs
As winds increase, expect new and sensitive wind slabs to begin to form in lee aspect terrain and cross-loaded areas.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
Unconsolidated snow that has been protected from the wind is likely to sluff in steep terrain features. Ensure your route plan strives to avoid terrain traps, especially cliffs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 4th, 2025 4:00PM
