Avalanche forecast

South Rockies

Dec 30 – 31, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Wind slabs may still be reactive to riders.

Pay attention to isolated wind-affected features.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Recent snowfall and wind have formed wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded areas. Riders can still trigger slabs on steep, unsupported, convex slopes.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been observed in the past few days, but observations are limited.

If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a MIN report!

Snowpack Summary

Up to 20 cm of recent snowfall exists in sheltered areas. Strong to extreme wind has formed firm, wind-affected surfaces at the treeline and above. Wind slabs may have formed in lee and cross-loaded terrain.

The upper snowpack contains a melt-freeze crust and facets layer, particularly in south-facing terrain. Recent scouring wind may have exposed the crust in some areas.

Snowpack depth varies significantly across the region. Windward slopes may have as little as 50 cm of snow, while leeward slopes could have up to 200 cm.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Cloudy with up to 5 cm of new snow. 10 to 20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Monday

Cloudy with up to 5 cm of new snow. 10 to 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
  • Wind slabs are isolated, but may remain reactive.
  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind-loaded snow.

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