Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 22nd, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada Avalanche Canada, Avalanche Canada

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Fresh wind slabs are likely to continue to form at higher elevations. Be on the lookout for reactive wind slabs in cross-loaded terrain and around ridge crests.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Observations have generally been limited in the region. However, this MIN report from Saturday describes touchy wind slab conditions in the Crowsnest Pass area.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 5 cm of new snow, accompanied by moderate southwest wind, has fallen since Saturday. Deeper deposits of new snow can be expected in lee terrain.

The new snow has fallen on firm, wind-affected surfaces in exposed terrain, and a thin sun crust on south-facing slopes.

The snowpack depth varies greatly, windward slopes may only have 50 cm on them while leeward slopes could have as much as 200 cm.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Cloud building overnight. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Monday

Cloudy. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Tuesday

Mix of sun and cloud with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, or recent avalanches.
  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind-loaded snow.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

New and previously formed wind slabs may remain reactive to rider-triggering. Avoid wind-loaded areas where the snow feels stiff or slabby.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 23rd, 2024 4:00PM

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