Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 29th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada Avalanche Canada, Avalanche Canada

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Seek out areas with soft powder snow on the surface.

Recent snow will be more likely to avalanche in terrain that has been affected by wind.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Thursday through Saturday, several small explosive and rider-triggered avalanches were reported in the recent snow in alpine and treeline terrain.

Snowpack Summary

Alpine terrain is wind-affected, while sheltered areas have settling snow from recent storms.

A layer of facets, surface hoar, and/or crusts buried in early December is 50-70 cm deep. No avalanches have been reported on this layer since December 19 and it's possible that the recent mild temperatures helped it bond to the rest of the snowpack.

The lower snowpack is strong and settled south of Highway 1, and potentially weaker and more faceted north of Highway 1.

Treeline snow depths vary from 90-150 cm.

Weather Summary

Sunday night

Mostly cloudy with flurries, up to 2 cm of snow. Light variable ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Monday

Mostly cloudy with light flurries. 15 to 25 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Tuesday

Mostly sunny. 15 to 25 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny. 5 to 15 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.
  • Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, or recent avalanches.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Fresh snow will be easily moved by wind, watch for reactive slabs around ridgecrest and steep tools. Alpine-like features at treeline that are cross-loaded will be a concern.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 30th, 2024 4:00PM

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