Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 22nd, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Dry.
Parks Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Solar radiation alongside abnormally warm air temperatures has been triggering loose avalanches from steep solar features and initiating wind slabs below. Forecasts are uncertain of solar inputs for Monday, so be prepared to adjust your overhead exposure accordingly.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
The sun initiated several loose dry avalanches from steep, rocky features in the alpine. These small avalanches triggered wind slab pockets on the slope below, up to size 2.0
Several natural avalanches up to size 2 were also observed in the highway corridor today from steep, north-facing slopes in the alpine. These avalanches occurred due to a wind spike and 15cm overnight.
Snowpack Summary
A punch from the sun today moistened the snow surface on steep solar aspects. Expect a thin, breakable crust on these features tomorrow. We've received ~70cm of new snow since Dec 18th, which has fallen with moderate Southerly winds. A persistent weak layer is down 80-110cm. This interface is breaking down, but consists of surface hoar in sheltered locations, and a sun crust on solar aspects. The snowpack's base is comprised of several early-season melt-freeze rain crusts
Weather Summary
A series of storms will bring light snowfall and above average temperatures to the region over the next couple days.
Tonight: Snow: 4 cms , Alp low -5°C, Light South wind, Freezing level (FZL) 1300m
Mon: Mix of sun and cloud with 4cm snow, Alp High -4°C, Moderate SW wind, FZL 1500m
Tues: Snow: 8 cm. Alp High -2°C, Strong SW winds, FZL 1400m
Wed: Snow: 5cm. Alp High -8°C. Moderate SW winds. FZL 800m
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
- Limit exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.
Problems
Wind Slabs
New snow and wind last night has created a windslab. This avalanche problem will be most reactive in the alpine and exposed areas at treeline.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
The sun triggered loose avalanches from steep, rocky features today. Heed caution if the sun pops out!
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 23rd, 2024 4:00PM
