Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 18th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is Wind Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeStrong winds and flurries will build fresh slabs.If you see blowing snow, watch out for slabs in leeward terrain.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Tuesday, explosives triggered several thin wind slabs up to size 2 in open areas above treeline. In the Nigunsaw area, a skier triggered a 35 cm thick slab on a steep roll, failing on large surface hoar on a crust. Evidence of older avalanches to size 2, 20 to 30 cm deep were also reported, failing on either surface hoar or a crust.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 15 cm of fresh flurries covers 20 to 30 cm older, wind-affected snow.
The crust from early December is now buried 20 to 40 cm. In some areas, large surface hoar crystals are found at this interface. Most recently, the layer was reactive to skiers in the Ningunsaw area.
Below, the lower snowpack has no layers of concern.
Weather Summary
Wednesday night
Cloudy with incoming flurries, trace to 5 cm of snow. 15 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C
Thursday
Cloudy with flurries, 5 to 15 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h south-southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. 20 to 40 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Saturday
Cloudy flurries, trace to 5 cm. 40 to 60 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.
- Avoid freshly wind-loaded features, especially near ridge crests, rollovers, and in steep terrain.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Thin wind slabs may quickly form with strong winds and flurries. If you see blowing snow, expect to find wind slabs in lee-ward terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South West, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 19th, 2024 4:00PM