Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 21st, 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
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Friday, wind slabs were reactive to skier-triggering in steep, lee features.
Looking forward to Sunday, wind slabs will continue to be the main concern. Check out our field team's MIN from the Crowsnest Pass on Friday for a deeper dive on conditions.
Snowpack Summary
Overnight snowfall will add to roughly 25 cm of recent snowfall. This was accompanied by strong to extreme southwest winds that created wind slabs in lee areas and scoured surfaces at all 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
Saturday Night
Cloudy with up to 5 cm of new snow. 20 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Sunday
Cloudy with up to 1 cm of new snow. 25 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Monday
A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Tuesday
Cloudy with up to 2 cm of new snow. 25 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, or recent avalanches.
- 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 22nd, 2024 4:00PM
