Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 1st, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Persistent Slabs and Storm Slabs.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Surface instabilities and deeper weak layers may remain reactive to riders.
Choose low-consequence terrain and watch for signs of instability.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Small storm slabs and loose dry avalanches (size 1) were easily triggered by riders on steep, sheltered treeline terrain features on Monday.
No recent natural avalanche was reported, except evidence from last weekend's past cycle.
If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a MIN report!
Snowpack Summary
30 to 50 cm of settling snow can be found in sheltered areas. Previous moderate southwest wind has redistributed this snow, forming deeper deposits on leeward slopes at higher elevations.
Below this recent snow, a thin crust is present below approximately 1600 m.
Weak layers of surface hoar or facets and a crust may persist in the mid-snowpack. Professionals are still concerned about its potential instability.
The lower snowpack is generally strong and well-bonded.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Cloudy. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.
Thursday
Cloudy with light snowfall 1 to 5 cm. 10 to 15 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Friday
Cloudy, with isolated flurries. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Saturday
Cloudy with snowfall 10 to 15 cm. 20 to 30 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.
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
- Pay attention to the wind; once it starts to blow, sensitive wind slabs are likely to form.
Problems
Persistent Slabs
Buried weak layers of surface hoar and facets on a crust are now buried 70 to 120 cm deep. Be especially cautious on steep, open slopes at treeline and below.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Storm Slabs
Continued snowfall and wind have formed storm slabs in lee and cross-loaded areas. Human triggering is possible near ridge crests, rollovers, and steep terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 2nd, 2025 4:00PM
