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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 21st, 2024–Dec 22nd, 2024

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.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

North Columbia, South Columbia, Esplanade, Jordan, North Monashee, North Selkirk, Dogtooth, Central Selkirk, Gold.

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.

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

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.