Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 5th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Wet.

Avalanche Canada Avalanche Canada, Avalanche Canada

Email

Complex and dangerous avalanche conditions persist, with more precipitation and a chance of above-freezing temperatures in some areas.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Snowpack Summary

Following last weekend's snowfall, surface conditions continue to change, with 40 to 80 cm of recent storm snow settling quickly due to warming and rain. The deepest amounts are in Pine Pass and McGregor areas. Recent snow presents several potential weaknesses including wet snow from warming and wind slabs from strong winds. There may also be a poor bond to underlying layers, especially in the northern Cariboos and Renshaw areas, though data is limited.

The lower snowpack contains a widespread crust from early-November, possibly with weak facets around it. Its distribution and reactivity are unclear, and it is uncertain if avalanches are failing on this layer.

Treeline snow depths range from 60 to 200 cm.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Mostly cloudy. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C.

Friday

Cloudy with precipitation increasing in intensity throughout the day. 10 to 20 cm in most areas, with 0 to 5 cm of snow on the eastern slopes. Snow is expected at roughly 1200 m and above, with rain at lower elevations. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of snow in most areas, with 1 to 3 cm of snow on the eastern slopes. Snow is expected at roughly 1200 m and above, with rain at lower elevations. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -1 °C. Freezing level around 1300 m.

Sunday

Mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Use conservative route selection and resist venturing into complex terrain.
  • Avoid freshly wind-loaded terrain features.
  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.
  • A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Strong winds and more snow are expected to build deep, reactive wind slabs near ridgelines and steep open terrain. Mild temperatures could increase their reactivity.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Rain and above-freezing temperatures will weaken surface snow in steep terrain, potentially affecting all elevations.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Dec 6th, 2024 4:00PM

Login