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Avalanche Forecast

Dec 25th, 2024–Dec 26th, 2024
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
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
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
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Flathead, Lizard, Lizard-Flathead.

Watch for changing conditions. Fresh wind slabs are expected to form through out the day.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Tuesday, a natural wind slab was observed from a northeast aspect in the alpine near Fernie (size 2). Several skier-triggered wind slabs were also reported up to size 1.

On Wednesday, explosive control produced three size 1 storm slabs from north-facing alpine terrain.

Looking forward to Thursday, fresh reactive wind slabs are expected to form in lee areas through out the day as southwest winds redistribute new snow.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 10 cm of new snow can be expected by end of day Thursday. Southwest winds will redistribute this new snow, forming deeper deposits on leeward slopes at higher elevations

Below the new snow, a melt-freeze crust exists below approximately 1500 m.

The mid and lower snowpack is generally well-settled and stable.

Snow depths at treeline range from 120 to 180 cm.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Cloudy with up to 1 cm of new snow. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Thursday

Cloudy with up to 10 cm of new snow. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Friday

A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Saturday

Cloudy with up to 20 cm of new snow. 30 to 60 km/h southwest wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
  • Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Fresh, reactive wind slabs may form throughout the day. Avoid wind-loaded areas where the snow surface feels stiff or slabby.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5