Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 5th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Wet.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Complex and dangerous avalanche conditions persist, with more precipitation and a chance of above-freezing temperatures in some areas.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Avalanche Summary added Friday at 6:45 AM Pacific:
Observers in the McBride and McGregor areas on Thursday reported no new avalanches, but noted evidence of wet loose avalanches from earlier this week (up to size 2.5).
Snowpack Summary
Following last weekend's snowfall, surface conditions continue to change, with 40 to 80 cm of recent storm snow settling quickly due to warming and rain. The deepest amounts are in Pine Pass and McGregor areas. Recent snow presents several potential weaknesses including wet snow from warming and wind slabs from strong winds. There may also be a poor bond to underlying layers, especially in the northern Cariboos and Renshaw areas, though data is limited.
The lower snowpack contains a widespread crust from early-November, possibly with weak facets around it. Its distribution and reactivity are unclear, and it is uncertain if avalanches are failing on this layer.
Treeline snow depths range from 60 to 200 cm.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Mostly cloudy. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C.
Friday
Cloudy with precipitation increasing in intensity throughout the day. 10 to 20 cm in most areas, with 0 to 5 cm of snow on the eastern slopes. Snow is expected at roughly 1200 m and above, with rain at lower elevations. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of snow in most areas, with 1 to 3 cm of snow on the eastern slopes. Snow is expected at roughly 1200 m and above, with rain at lower elevations. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -1 °C. Freezing level around 1300 m.
Sunday
Mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Use conservative route selection and resist venturing into complex terrain.
- Avoid freshly wind-loaded terrain features.
- Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Strong winds and more snow are expected to build deep, reactive wind slabs near ridgelines and steep open terrain. Mild temperatures could increase their reactivity.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Rain and above-freezing temperatures will weaken surface snow in steep terrain, potentially affecting all elevations.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 6th, 2024 4:00PM
