Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 22nd, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
Parks Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Seek out sheltered areas less affected by recent winds. Avalanches in the upper snowpack have the potential to step down to deeper instabilities.
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
Last week several avalanches were observed along the Churchill Range on east faces in the alpine, up to size 2.5 and running to ground on the deep persistent layer. Some of these avalanches were caused by falling cornices.
Over the weekend the ski hill triggered two size 1.5 deep persistent avalanches with explosives and a small windslab.
Snowpack Summary
A dusting of new snow sits on up the 15cm that fell last week and was redistributed by southwest winds. This wind has loaded lee features, creating windslabs and stripped more exposed areas. In sheltered areas this snow sits on a weak layer of 7mm Surface Hoar.
The mid and lower snow pack has multiple layers of surface hoar in sheltered terrain, melt freeze crusts and facets. Two of these are the deep persistent slab interfaces near the ground.
Weather Summary
Monday
Mainly cloudy. Alpine temperature High of -5 °C. Ridge winds from the southwest, 15 km/h gusting to 45 km/h. Freezing level: 1600 metres.
Tuesday
Mainly cloudy with scattered flurries (up to 4 cm). Alpine temperature Low of -7 °C, High of -5 °C. Ridge wind from the southwest, 25 km/h gusting to 70 km/h. Freezing level at valley bottom.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present in the snowpack.
- Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent snow and strong winds have created wind slabs. Avoid wind loaded unsupported terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
A variety of crusts with facets above and below exist at the bottom of the snowpack. These layers are going to be with us for along time and pose a low probability, high consequence situation if triggered.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 23rd, 2024 4:00PM
