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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 13th, 2024–Dec 14th, 2024

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Kootenay Boundary, Bonnington, Grohman, Kootenay Pass, Norns, Rossland, South Okanagan, Ymir, Shuswap, Crawford, Kokanee, North Okanagan, Valhalla.

Be prepared to dial back your objective as the danger increases.

New storm and wind slabs will likely build throughout the day.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No significant slab avalanches were reported over the past 4 days. Natural and skier triggered dry loose avalanches up to size 1 continue to be reported from steep terrain where the surface snow hasn’t formed slab properties or bonded to the underlying crust.

2 natural cornice falls were reported on Thursday. Neither of these cornices triggered a slab on the slope below.

Snowpack Summary

By the end of the day on December 14th up to 20 cm of new snow may have fallen. This will be accompanied by moderate to strong southwest wind forming larger deposits on north and east aspects. In sheltered terrain this new snow will overlie surface hoar.

A layer of surface hoar and/or crust can be found down 20 to 40 cm. The extent of this crust is uncertain in the Selkirks. Where this crust is thin or not present a layer of surface hoar may be found.

The mid and lower snowpack is well-settled, dense, and generally strong. Treeline snow depths range from 100 to 150 cm.

Weather Summary

Friday Night

Cloudy with up to 10 cm of snow expected. 20 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

Saturday

Cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of snow expected. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising to 1500 m.

Sunday

Cloudy in the morning and mix of sun and cloud in the afternoon. Up to 5 cm of snow possible by early morning. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Monday

Cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of snow expected. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Be aware of the potential for larger than expected storm slabs due to buried surface hoar.
  • Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.