Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 20th, 2024–Dec 21st, 2024

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Cariboos, Blue River, Clearwater, McBride, Premier, Quesnel, Clemina.

Watch for fresh wind slabs on steep slopes in the alpine and at treeline.

The best riding will be in sheltered spots.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported on Thursday or Friday.

On Wednesday, a small 20 cm deep slab was triggered by a snowmobile south of Valemount. It failed on surface hoar from mid-December that was preserved on a northwest aspect in the alpine.

Weather Summary

Friday NightCloudy with up to 5 cm of snow. 30 to 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

SaturdayMostly cloudy with up to 1 cm of snow. 30 to 60 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.

Sunday

A mix of sun and cloud with up to 5 cm of snow ending in the morning. 40 to 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Monday

Mostly cloudy. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.
The best and safest riding will be on slopes that have soft snow without any slab properties.

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.