Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 18th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada Avalanche Canada, Avalanche Canada

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Allow time for the snowpack to stabilize after recent snow and wind loading

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Natural avalanches have likely been occurring on Wednesday, particularly in areas with more than 30 cm of new snow and on wind-loaded slopes.

At the time of publishing, we have not received any reports of avalanche activity.

Snowpack Summary

As much as 40 cm of new snow has fallen since Tuesday night. Deeper deposits of snow have likely formed in lee-facing terrain features at upper elevations from recent southwest winds.

A surface hoar layer exists, down roughly 50 to 80 cm from the surface. While its distribution is uncertain, it has the potential to become reactive as a slab forms above it.

Treeline snow depths range from 120 to 180 cm.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy. 40 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Thursday

Mix of sun and cloud. 40 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Friday

Mix of sun and cloud with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level climbing to 2200 m.

Saturday

Sunny. 20 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +1 °C. Freezing level 2400 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
  • Avoid freshly wind-loaded terrain features.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

Recently formed storm slabs will remain reactive for some time, following heavy snowfall and wind since Tuesday. A weak surface hoar layer beneath the slabs could make them very touchy.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Dec 19th, 2024 4:00PM

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