Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 31st, 2024 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
While 2025 begins with a generally stable snowpack and excellent powder conditions, be cautious of lingering wind slabs in steep alpine terrain.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanche activity has been reported since the weekend.
A few large wind slab avalanches were reported from this MIN report in the Matier Glacier area on Sunday.
Snowpack Summary
Generally low-density snow on the surface with minimal wind effect in all but exposed alpine terrain.
A thin crust exists in the upper snowpack, up to 1900 m, particularly in sun-affected terrain.
Another crust is buried 60 to 100 cm deep, and in sheltered terrain, a layer of surface hoar may exist just above it. There is uncertainty over its reactivity. It is more likely to be a concern in wind-affected, thin, and rocky start zones at higher elevations.
Snow depths at treeline vary between 90 to 160 cm.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy. 0 to 10 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and cloud. 0 to 10 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Thursday
Partly cloudy. 10 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Friday
Cloudy with 2 to 5 cm of snow. 10 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline tem[erature -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.
- Avoid steep, rocky, and wind-affected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
- If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Reactive wind slabs may persist in steep exposed terrain around ridge crests, convex rolls, and cross-loaded slopes.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 1st, 2025 4:00PM
