Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 20th, 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
Reactive wind slabs may exist on all aspects at treeline and above.
Whumpfing and shooting cracks in the snowpack are indicators of unstable conditions.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No recent observations reported. On Thursday reports saw rapid wind slab development throughout the day, including reports of a few size 1-2 natural and rider-triggered avalanches, and skiers seeing shooting cracks at treeline and below (MIN).
Snowpack Summary
In some areas surface hoar and/or facets are buried 10 to 20 cm below the surface snow.
30 to 50 cm of wind-affected snow rests on a thick rain crust. Recent strong winds have varied in direction, building wind slabs on all aspects at upper elevations.
Treeline snow depth range from 200-280 cm. The lower snowpack has no layers of concern.
Weather Summary
Friday night
Cloudy, with isolated flurries. 25 to 55 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C and alpine temperatures near 0 °C due to a weak, above freezing layer.
Saturday
Cloudy. 35 to 70 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C and alpine temperatures +2 °C.
Sunday
Snow 5 to 10 cm. 35 to 55 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.
Monday
Snow 10 to 15 cm. 30 to 80 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid freshly wind-loaded features, especially near ridge crests, rollovers, and in steep terrain.
- Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.
- Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for slabs before you commit to it.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Gusty winds are impacting any loose snow, variable winds may have reverse-loaded features. Watch for reactive deposits around ridges or lee features.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 21st, 2024 4:00PM
