Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 21st, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Wind slabs may still be rider-triggerable today.
Riding in sheltered spots free from wind-loading will keep you in the best snow and reduce the chance of triggering a slab.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Friday, there were reports of natural wind slabs up to size 2 in the alpine, mainly in the northern aspects. As well as an incident involving a cornice triggering a size 3 and a sympathetic size 2 near Revelstoke.
On Wednesday, there was a widespread avalanche cycle that tapered into Thursday. Natural and human-triggered avalanches were reported up to size 3.
Snowpack Summary
40 to 50 cm of snow has fallen this week, with some areas in the Monashees receiving up to 70 cm. This soft snow is being redistributed by a west-southwest wind in the alpine and open treeline.
A surface hoar layer formed in early December is now buried 50 to 90 cm and is most prevalent between 1700 to 2200 m. So far, this layer hasn't been reactive, but it's worth keeping on your radar.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Sunday
Cloudy. 20 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1300 m.
Monday
Mostly cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Keep in mind that human triggering may persist as natural avalanches taper off.
- Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
- Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Avoid areas loaded by the wind. New slabs are more easily triggered there.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 22nd, 2024 4:00PM
