Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 25th, 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
If more than 20cm of snow falls where you are, treat it as considerable.
Wind affected snow that is deep has the potential to avalanche, look for areas sheltered from the wind to ride.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Recent snow and wind produced a wind and storm slab cycle of both natural and human triggered avalanches.
The reactivity and distribution of the early December persistent layers are not well understood in this region. Reports indicate it may be an issue in the south of the region. Last reported avalanches on this layer occurred on a west-facing slope at 2200 m near Revelstoke on Saturday. This layer is likely most triggerable in thin snowpack which is sheltered from wind.
Snowpack Summary
Snow continues to accumulate adding up to between 10 and 35 cm. This is falling on a melt freeze crust on sun affected slopes.
A layer of surface hoar, crust or facets (or a combination) exists 50-100 cm deep. Reports indicate this layer is hard to find and likely not a concern north of Highway 5. In terrain closer to Revelstoke, this layer has shown reactivity to remote triggers on west facing slopes at 2200 m. Reactivity is not well understood at this time, as no further avalanches have been reported. Surface hoar is most likely preserved in large, open sheltered slopes at treeline.
Snow depth at treeline is 120-150 cm. Cornices may be large, and weakened from mild temperatures.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of snow except the western part of the region up to 25 cm. 10 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Friday
Partly cloudy. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures around -3 °C.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow except the western part of the region up to 20 cm. 10 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Watch for wind slabs near ridgelines and mid slope rollovers, small amounts of new snow may build fresh and reactive deposits. In southern areas, slabs may step down to deeper buried layers.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 26th, 2024 4:00PM
