Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 19th, 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
Avoid steep, wind-loaded slopes. Recently formed wind slabs may remain reactive to rider-triggering.
Summary
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
On Wednesday, skier-triggered wind slabs (size 1) were reported from alpine and treeline terrain. Explosive control produced one size 2 wind slab from alpine terrain. Observations were limited due to poor visibility.
Snowpack Summary
In the past few days, 20 cm of new snow fell accompanied by strong to extreme southwest winds. This created wind slabs in lee areas and scoured surfaces at alpine and treeline elevations.
Below the recent snow is a melt-freeze crust on south-facing slopes and hard, wind-pressed snow in exposed terrain.
The snowpack depth varies greatly, windward slopes may only have 50 cm on them while leeward slopes could have as much as 200 cm.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Mostly cloudy with up to 3 cm of snow. 40 to 80 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Friday
Cloudy with up to 1 cm of snow. 50 to 100 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
Saturday
Cloudy with up to 1 cm of snow. 20 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
Sunday
Cloudy with up to 1 cm of snow. 15 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Keep your guard up at all elevations. Wind slab formation has been extensive and could extend into openings below treeline.
- Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind-loaded snow.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recently formed wind slabs may remain reactive to rider-triggering. Avoid wind-loaded areas where the snow feels stiff or slabby.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 20th, 2024 4:00PM
