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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 16th, 2024–Dec 17th, 2024

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

Regions

Lizard-Flathead, Flathead, Lizard, Moyie, St. Mary.

The wind has rearranged the new snow and created deeper spots, which is where you're more likely to trigger a slab.

Seek out sheltered slopes for the best and safest riding.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday and Sunday, several small storm slabs and dry loose avalanches were triggered near Fernie. There were also reports of shooting cracks in open areas in the trees from the Lizard Range.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 15 cm of snow fell on the weekend accompanied by strong southwest wind forming larger deposits on north and east aspects.

Buried down 25 to 35 cm in sheltered areas is a layer of surface hoar that hasn't been reactive so far.

The bottom of the snowpack is generally expected to be well-settled and stable. Total snow depths vary from 100 to 150 cm at treeline.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Mostly cloudy. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.

Tuesday

Cloudy. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Wednesday

Cloudy with 40 to 70 cm of snow. 50 to 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

Thursday

Sunny. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.
  • Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.

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.