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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 30th, 2024–Dec 31st, 2024
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Blue River, Cariboos, Clearwater, Clemina, Esplanade, Jordan, McBride, North Columbia, North Monashee, North Selkirk, Premier, Quesnel.

Start on small features and check for signs of instability before committing to big terrain.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Over the weekend, numerous natural, human, and explosive-triggered storm slab avalanches, crown lines averaged 15-30 cm deep.

The early December persistent weak layer was most problematic in the south end of this region. Every day from Friday to Sunday, a large remote-triggered avalanche reported failing on this layer in the Avalanche Forecast region south of Revelstoke. (London Ridge size 3) An avalanche on this layer would be unlikely but large and high consequence.

Snowpack Summary

Expect to find 20 to 40 cm of settling snow in sheltered areas, and wind slabs on lee slopes below peaks and ridgelines. On sun-affected slopes, the recent snow covers a melt-freeze crust.

A layer of surface hoar, crust and/or facets exists 60 to 110 cm deep. Reports indicate this layer is hard to find and likely not a concern north of Highway 5. South of Highway 5, no avalanches have been reported on this layer since December 22, but some professional operations have observed concerning results in snowpack tests, and we aren't ready to ignore it just yet. It's most likely to linger on north through east aspects between 1700 to 2300 m.

Snow depth at treeline is 120 to 150 cm.

Weather Summary

Monday night

Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries, trace to 5 cm snow. 5 to 15 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy with flurries, up to 5 cm snow. 10 to 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.

Wednesday

Partly sunny and unsettled. 10 to 25 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Thursday

Partly sunny. 15 to 25 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, or recent avalanches.
  • Be careful with sluffing in steep terrain, especially above cliffs and terrain traps.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Winds are forecast to increase on Tuesday. Pay attention to wind direction, wind slabs form on leeward slopes and in cross-loaded terrain. Step-downs to deeper layers are unlikely but consequential.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2