Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 30th, 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
Start on small features and check for signs of instability before committing to big terrain.
Summary
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.
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
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 31st, 2024 4:00PM
