Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 23rd, 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
Watch for fresh wind slabs on steep slopes in the alpine and at treeline
The best riding will be in sheltered terrain
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Wind loaded features continue to show reactivity in the south of the region, with recent natural activity observed and some human triggering.
Reactivity and distribution of the early December interface is not well understood, on Saturday size 2 remotely triggered slabs were reported on west facing slopes at 2200 m near Revelstoke. This layer is likely most triggerable in areas where the snowpack is thinner, and sheltered from wind.
Snowpack Summary
Recent snowfall is beginning to settle and bond to old snow surfaces, with wind effect at higher elevations. South facing slopes may hold a surface crust.
A layer of surface hoar, crust or facets (or a combination) exists 50-100 cm deep. Reports indicate this layer is hard to find and not a concern north of Highway 5. In terrain closer to Revelstoke, this layer has shown reactivity to remote triggers on west facing slopes at 2200 m. Reactivity is not well understood at this time, as no further avalanches have been reported. Surface hoar is most likely to be preserved in large, open sheltered slopes at treeline.
HS at treeline measures 120-150 cm. Cornices may be large, and weakened from the mild temperatures.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Mostly cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing levels around 700 m except for near Quesnel which remains around 1500 m.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy with up to 10 cm of snow. 40 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy with another 5 cm of snow possible. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy with another 5 to 10 cm of snow possible. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Watch for wind slabs near ridgelines and mid slope rollovers, small amounts of new snow may build fresh and reactive deposits. Slabs may step down to deeper buried layers, particularly in the south of this region.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 24th, 2024 4:00PM
