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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 19th, 2024–Dec 20th, 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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Howson, Kitimat, Microwave-Sinclair, Nass, Northwest Coastal, Rupert, Seven Sisters, Shames, Stewart.

Gusty winds are redistributing any loose snow. Be mindful that strong winds can form slabs lower in terrain than expected.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Early observations Thursday reported rapid wind slab development throughout the day, including reports of a few size 1-2 natural and rider-triggered avalanches, and skiers seeing shooting cracks at treeline and below (MIN).

On Wednesday, small size 1 wind slabs were reactive to skiers. Reports place these slabs in wind-loaded features, open treeline areas and higher.

Snowpack Summary

15 to 30 cm of wind-affected snow rests on a thick rain crust. In some areas surface hoar and/or facets are buried below this surface snow, 10 to 40 cm deep. Recent strong winds have varied in direction, building stubborn wind slabs on all aspects at upper elevations.

Treeline snow depth range from 200-280 cm. The lower snowpack has no layers of concern.

Weather Summary

Thursday night

Cloudy with flurries, trace to 10 cm of snow. 20 to 40 southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Friday

Cloudy with isolated flurries, trace to 5 cm. 30 to 60 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Saturday

Cloudy and unsettled. 40 to 60 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Sunday

Cloudy with isolated flurries, trace to 10 cm. 40 to 70 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °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.
  • Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for slabs before you commit to it.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Gusty winds are impacting any loose snow, variable winds may have reverse-loaded features. Watch for reactive deposits around ridges or lee features.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2