Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 2nd, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Dry.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
As winds pick up, expect fresh and sensitive wind slabs to form near ridge crests. Watch for areas where deep pillows of snow accumulate.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Tuesday and Wednesday, explosive avalanche control and testing near Fernie, produced numerous small ( size 1 to 1.5 ) slab avalanches, These failed on the storm interface that was down approximately 20 cm. Additional control results included large cornice triggers that produced large (size 2) storm slab avalanches that in one case stepped down 100 cm in depth.
If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a MIN report!
Snowpack Summary
Snowfall of up to 10 cm from the past 24 hours is dry and unconsolidated and when the wind begins to increase will easily be transported and begin to form windslab. Below this, past storm snow accumulations vary across the region from 30 to 50 cm and are settling. Below 1500 m elevation a previously moist surface is now dense and refrozen. A melt freeze crust can be found throughout the region and is down variable depths from 5 to 20 cm.
The mid and lower snowpack is generally well-settled and stable.
Snow depths at treeline range from 140 to 220 cm.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Cloudy, with isolated flurries. 1 to 5 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Friday
Cloudy with light snowfall 5 to 10 cm. 5 to 15 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Saturday
Cloudy, with periods of clearing. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Sunday
Cloudy, with snowfall 15 to 25 cm. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
- Be careful with sluffing in steep terrain, especially above cliffs and terrain traps.
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
Problems
Storm Slabs
As winds increase, expect new and sensitive wind slabs to begin to form in lee aspect terrain and cross-loaded areas.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
Unconsolidated snow that has been protected from the wind is likely to sluff in steep terrain features. Ensure your route plan strives to avoid terrain traps especially cliffs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 3rd, 2025 4:00PM
