Avalog Join
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 20th, 2024–Dec 21st, 2024
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: East Island, North Island, South Island, Vancouver Island, West Island.

Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.

Fresh wind slabs may build during the day and by the afternoon hazard could rise to CONSIDERABLE.

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche reports in this region.

We suspect reactive wind slabs could form at treeline and above by Saturday afternoon.

Observations have been limited. Please consider sharing your observations through the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

With freezing levels reaching 2500 m and ongoing rain, expect to find a slushy and rain soaked snowpack. When temperatures fall the snowpack will freeze and dry, likely producing a uniform and cohesive snowpack capped by a crust.

Snowpack depths at treeline vary from 200 to 250 cm.

Weather Summary

Friday night

Cloudy with light rain, 5 to 10 mm. 30 to 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level 2500 m.

Saturday

Cloudy with mix rain and snow at higher elevations, 15 to 25 mm. 50 to 80 km/h with gusts exceeding 100 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level reaching 1700 m.

Sunday

Cloudy with mix rain and snow, 15 to 35 mm. 50 to 80 km/h with gusts exceeding 130 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.

Monday

Cloudy with possible sunny breaks and light precipitation, 5 mm. 20 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.

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.
  • Loose avalanches may start small, but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.
  • Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Isolated pockets of wind slab may form at upper elevations. Watch for reactive deposits around ridges or lee features.

Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2