Avalanche forecast

South Rockies

Dec 5 – 6, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

While the snowpack is generally expected to be stable, continually monitor and assess conditions as you travel. Isolated wind slabs may still exist in extreme terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Lingering concern remains for isolated pockets of wind slab which may have formed in exposed terrain during recent westerly winds.

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

On Wednesday, a small wet loose avalanche was observed on a steep, sun-exposed slope.

On Monday, explosive testing in the far southeast of this region produced a few small (size 1.5) wind slab avalanches.

Snowpack Summary

Treeline snow depths are typically 50 to 80 cm, with deeper wind-loaded pockets in the alpine. Heavily wind-affected surfaces are being reported in exposed terrain. A new sun crust is reported to be forming on steep, sun-exposed slopes.

A melt-freeze crust exists near the base of the snowpack, but generally appears to be stable and is not currently expected to be a problem for the region.

Check out this new MIN post from the South Rockies field team for more snowpack details.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Mainly clear. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature near 0 °C with a temperature inversion.

Thursday

Mainly sunny. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature near 0 °C with a temperature inversion.

Friday

A mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature near 0 °C with the temperature inversion breaking down through the day.

Saturday

Cloudy with snowfall up to 10 cm. 30 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
  • Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.

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