Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 21st, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Overnight snow and wind may form fresh, reactive slabs. Back off if you encounter signs of instability.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
A widespread natural avalanche cycle took place during the storm last Wednesday.
A notable sled-triggered wind slab was reported at Coal Creek from a ridgetop, wind-loaded feature. More details can be seen here.
A MIN report from Saturday suggested that wind slabs remained touchy below ridges and tree bands.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 15 cm of new snow will add to 40 cm of recent storm snow, with deeper deposits accumulating in lee-facing terrain at higher elevations due to southwest winds.
The mid and lower snowpack is generally well-settled and stable. However, there is some uncertainty about a potential surface hoar layer buried 50 to 80 cm deep, which could be reactive on isolated, steep, sheltered slopes around treeline and below.
Snow depths at treeline range from 120 to 180 cm.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of new snow. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Sunday
Cloudy with up to 1 cm of new snow. 25 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Monday
Cloudy with up to 5 cm of new snow. 20 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Tuesday
Cloudy with up to 2 cm of new snow. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
- Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
- Approach steep and open slopes at and below treeline cautiously, as buried surface hoar may exist.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Newly formed and reactive slabs are expected to form in wind-loaded terrain.
Take a cautious approach to steep openings at and below treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 22nd, 2024 4:00PM
