Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 21st, 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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Strong southerly winds may form reactive wind slabs on leeward slopes at treeline and above.

Whumpfing and shooting cracks in the snowpack are indicators of unstable conditions.

Summary

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported.

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

Snowpack Summary

Up to 20 cm of fresh snow sits above colder, faceted and wind-affected snow. Changing winds may have formed fresh wind slabs at treeline and above.

The crust from early December is now buried 20 to 40 cm. In some areas, large surface hoar crystals are found at this interface. We are trying to track this surface hoard distribution across the region - most recently, the layer was reactive to skiers in the Ningunsaw area.

Below, the lower snowpack has no layers of concern.

Weather Summary

Saturday night

Cloudy. 35 to 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level valley bottom.

Sunday

Cloudy with isolated flurries 2 to 5 cm. 35 to 60 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level valley bottom.

Monday

Mix of sun and cloud. 30 gusting to 75 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.

Tuesday

Mix of sun and cloud with light flurries up to 5 cm. 25 gusting to 65 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 700 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

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Steady winds will continue to impact snow in open terrain. Investigate for wind slab around ridges or lee features.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

JavaScript chart by amCharts 3.20.8

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 22nd, 2024 4:00PM

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