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Avalanche Forecast

Dec 29th, 2024–Dec 30th, 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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
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

Regions: Glacier.

Incremental loading- it adds up!

With over 60cm of unconsolidated snow over the past week, expect loose avalanches in steep terrain and some sneaky slabs in wind exposed areas.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

The sun poked out today and triggered a loose dry cycle up to size 2 from steep, south-facing features. Falling tree bombs were also prolific!

Reports continue to trickle in of wind effect, shooting cracks, and isolated avalanches in steep open terrain at upper elevations.

There was a size 2 skier triggered wind slab below the Asulkan hut on Thursday afternoon. The slab was 30-50cms deep and 40m wide.

Snowpack Summary

Incremental loading each day this past week has accumulated to over 60cm of new snow. This new snow fell with moderate SW winds at times, which built soft slabs in wind prone areas

Overall, the snowpack is strong with a well consolidated mid-pack. A notable layer is down 90-120cm. This interface has been dormant for weeks, but consists of surface hoar in sheltered locations, and a sun crust on solar aspects. The snowpack's base is comprised of several early-season rain crusts

Weather Summary

Low pressure to our south and building high pressure to the north will mean mainly cloudy skies and cooling temps for our region over the next few days

Tonight Mainly cloudy. No precip. Alpine Low -8°C, freezing level (FZL) lowering to valley bottom. Light NE ridgetop wind

Mon Mainly cloudy, trace of snow. Alpine High -7 °C, FZL 1100m. Light NW wind

Tues Mainly cloudy, trace snow. Alpine High -10 °C FZL 800m. Light W wind

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Loose avalanches may start small, but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.
  • Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind-affected terrain.

Avalanche Problems

Loose Dry

With all the new snow expect to find heavy sluffing in steep, wind-sheltered terrain. Be mindful of what your sluff is doing around you, especially above terrain traps or areas you don't want to be pushed through.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Steady snowfall this past week has formed soft slabs where affected by the wind. This avalanche problem will be most reactive in the alpine and exposed areas at tree line.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5