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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 26th, 2024–Dec 27th, 2024
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
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: Akamina, Bull, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East, Elkford West, South Rockies.

Watch for newly formed, reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been observed in the past few days, but observations are limited.

If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a MIN report!

Snowpack Summary

Up to 10 cm of recent snowfall exists in sheltered areas. Strong to extreme wind has formed firm, wind-affected surfaces at the treeline and above. Hard wind slabs have formed in lee and cross-loaded terrain.

A melt-freeze crust and facets exist in the upper snowpack, particularly in south-facing terrain. Winds likely have scoured recent snow, leaving the crust exposed on the surface in exposed areas.

Snowpack depth varies significantly across the region. Windward slopes may have as little as 50 cm of snow, while leeward slopes could have up to 200 cm

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Cloudy with up to 5 cm of new snow. 30 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Friday

A mix of sun and cloud with up to 1 cm of new snow. 15 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Saturday

Cloudy with up to 5 cm of new snow. 25 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy with up to 2 cm of new snow. 10 to 30 km/h southwest switching to northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind-loaded snow.
  • Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, or recent avalanches.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Fresh wind slabs likely exist in lee and cross-loaded areas from yesterday's snowfall and wind.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2