Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 2nd, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Persistent Slabs and Storm Slabs.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Surface instabilities and deeper weak layers remain reactive to riders.
Choose low-consequence terrain and watch for signs of instability.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Wednesday 2 large (size 2 to 2.5) persistent slab avalanches where rider triggered, both on North aspect at approximately 2200m. One was near Nelson, the other Rossland. Review this MIN report link for further details
On Monday, small storm slabs and loose dry avalanches (size 1) were easily triggered by riders on steep, sheltered treeline terrain features.
If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a MIN report!
Snowpack Summary
30 to 50 cm of settling snow can be found in sheltered areas. Previous moderate southwest wind has redistributed this snow, forming deeper deposits on leeward slopes at higher elevations.
Below this recent snow, a thin crust is present below approximately 1600 m.
Weak layers of surface hoar or facets and a crust continue to persist in the mid-snowpack and can be found down between 50 and 120 cm. Professionals are still concerned about its potential instability.
The lower snowpack is generally strong and well-bonded.
Review this video on State of the snowpack for further details.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Cloudy with light snowfall 1 to 5 cm. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.
Friday
Cloudy with snowfall 10 to 20 cm. 15 to 25 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Saturday
Cloudy with light snowfall 1 to 5 cm, with isolated flurries. 10 to 15 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Sunday
Cloudy with snowfall 10 to 15 cm. 15 to 25 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Pay attention to the wind; once it starts to blow, sensitive wind slabs are likely to form.
- Keep in mind that human triggering may persist as natural avalanches taper off.
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
Problems
Persistent Slabs
The sensitivity of this problem decreases in the southern boundary of this forecast region. Likely areas for triggering this weak layer are thin spots .
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Storm Slabs
As winds increase, expect new and sensitive wind slabs to begin to form in lee aspect terrain and cross-loaded areas.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 3rd, 2025 4:00PM
