Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

Explosive control over the past 3 days produced size 1.5 wind slab avalanches.

The incoming weather will likely increase the chance of riders triggering wind slabs.

By the end of the day on December 14th up to 15 cm of new snow may have fallen. This will be accompanied by strong southwest wind forming larger deposits on north and east aspects. In sheltered terrain this new snow could overlie surface hoar.

Another layer of surface hoar and/or crust can be found down 20 to 40 cm. Where this crust is thin or not present a layer of surface hoar may be found.

Check out this MIN from the Purcell side of this region and this one from the Fernie area.

The middle of the snowpack is generally expected to be well-settled and stable. Total snow depths vary from 100 to 150 cm at treeline.

Friday Night

Cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow expected. 20 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Saturday

Cloudy with up to 10 cm of snow expected. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising to 1500 m.

Sunday

Cloudy in the morning and mix of sun and cloud in the afternoon. Up to 10 cm of snow possible by morning. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Monday

Cloudy with up to 10 cm of snow expected. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.
• Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.