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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 25th, 2023–Dec 26th, 2023

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Lizard-Flathead, South Rockies, Akamina, Flathead, Lizard, Bull, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East, Elkford West.

Forecast wind may form fresh wind slabs on lee features at treeline and above.

Avoid steep, rocky, and wind affected areas where triggering slabs are more likely.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

A few explosive triggered wind slabs up to size 2 were reported on primarily east aspects in the alpine on Sunday.

Data in this region is limited. Please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

15-20 cm of recent snow and moderate west wind formed wind slabs on lee features in the alpine.

A variety of generally firm surfaces exist below the recent snow.

There is a prominent crust down 30-60 cm.

The average snow depth at treeline varies widely from 50-100 cm, with the deepest snowpack around the Fernie area. Snow depth tapers rapidly below treeline.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Partly cloudy skies, west alpine wind 50 km/h, treeline temperature -12 °C.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy, west alpine wind 60 km/h, treeline temperature -6 °C.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny, southwest alpine wind 40 km/h, treeline temperature -4 °C.

Thursday

Cloudy, west alpine wind 50 km/h, treeline temperature -3 °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.
  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
  • Avoid slopes that sound hollow or drum-like.
  • Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.