Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 16th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Wind slabs are still possible to trigger in the alpine.
Avoiding large features and enjoying low-angle riding is a good way to manage a deep persistent problem.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Sunday, a small (size 1.5) wind slab was skier-triggered near the Bugaboos. It was on an east aspect in the alpine.
Snowpack Summary
10 cm of snow that has been redistributed by westerly wind sits on sun crusts on south-facing slopes and surface hoar in sheltered areas.
The base of the snowpack consists of weak, faceted snow over a crust from late October. This layer is a concern in the Invermere area and other similarly shallow snowpack zones.
Treeline snow depths are generally 50 to 70 cm, with deeper wind-loaded pockets in the alpine.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Partly cloudy. 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Thursday
Mostly sunny. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be alert to conditions that change with aspect and elevation.
- Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
- In areas where deep persistent slabs may exist, avoid shallow or variable depth snowpacks and slopes above cliffs.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs in the alpine remain rider-triggerable. Use caution where the snow has drifted into deep deposits.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
In the Invermere area, weak faceted snow at the base of the snowpack remains a concern. Avalanches have occurred on steep, smooth north-facing slopes where the snowpack is shallow and weak.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 17th, 2024 4:00PM
