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.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Wind slabs will begin to develop rapidly as strong wind will easily transport significant amounts of dry snow
Plan to avoid area below ridge crests where wind has transported snow.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Thursday near Mount Haig, explosive testing produced one small (size 1.5 ) storm slab avalanche.
Few loose dry avalanches out of steep alpine and treeline terrain were observed in the Elk Valley on Tuesday.
If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a MIN report!
Snowpack Summary
Low density snow and variable strong winds will begin to form wind slabs on all aspects.
Past snow accumulations vary across the region from 10 to 20 cm. The previous southwest wind has formed firm, wind-affected surfaces at upper elevations in the east part of the region, while the surface snow is mostly unconsolidated in the west part of the region.
At lower elevations, the upper snowpack contains a melt-freeze crust and facets layer, particularly in south-facing terrain.
Snowpack depth varies significantly across the region, from 50 to over 150 cm.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Overcast with light snowfall 5 to 10 cm. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Saturday
Cloudy with snowfall 1 to 5 cm. 30 to 50 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Sunday
Cloudy with light snowfall 1 to 2 cm. 15 to 25 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Monday
Cloudy with light snowfall 1 to 2 cm. 10 to 15 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °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 wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Increasing wind from initially south and then north will transport very light and low density snow to create new wind slabs in immediate lee areas.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 4th, 2025 4:00PM
