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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 30th, 2024–Dec 31st, 2024
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Badshot-Battle, Central Selkirk, Goat, Gold, Kokanee, Retallack, South Columbia, Valhalla, Whatshan.

Uncertainty about a persistent weak layer requires careful terrain selection.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Every day from Friday to Sunday, a large remote-triggered avalanche failed the early December layer.

Friday: London Ridge, size 3 avalanche at 2220 m on an east-facing slope.

Saturday: west of Meadow Creek, size 2 at 2280 m on a north-facing slope.

Sunday: west of Revelstoke, size 1.5 at 2200 m on a north-facing slope.

Otherwise, numerous small to large (up to size 2) natural and rider-triggered avalanches were reported in the recent snow, especially in steep terrain.

Snowpack Summary

Expect to find 20 to 50 cm of settling snow in sheltered areas and wind slabs on lee slopes below peaks and ridgelines. On sun-affected slopes, the recent snow covers a melt-and-freeze crust.

A concerning layer of facets, crusts, and/or surface hoar is buried 70 to 120 cm. It is most likely to be a problem on north through east aspects between 1700 to 2300 m.

Treeline snow depths range from 100 to 180 cm.

Weather Summary

Monday night

Mostly cloudy with flurries, up to 5 cm of snow. 5 to 15 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy with flurries, up to 5 cm of snow. 10 to 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy with flurries, 2-5 cm of snow. 5 to 15 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Thursday

Partly sunny. 15 to 25 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Fresh snow may need more time to settle and stabilize. Winds are forecast to increase on Tuesday. Pay attention to wind direction, wind slabs form on leeward slopes and in cross-loaded terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Remote-triggered avalanches have failed on this over the weekend. It has been most reactive on north through east slopes between 1700 and 2300 m. Most activity has been in the east of the forecast area.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3.5