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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 24th, 2024–Dec 25th, 2024

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

Regions

Glacier.

Ho Ho Ho! Santa's slapping down some slabs. Be suspect of slopes with a stiff surface, lest you surf this snow unsuspectingly!

Reactive wind slabs are most prevalent in immediate lee features at and above Tree-line, and are building with strong SW winds.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A natural avalanche cycle on Tues was observed in the hwy corridor off Mt Macdonald's N aspect. Wind spikes and the resulting snow transport were the likely triggers.

On Monday, several small, sz 1 skier-controlled avalanches from steep, unsupported rolls were noted.

Snowpack Summary

Continuous snowfall the past week has brought 80+cm. Mod to strong S/SW winds are now moving this storm snow around, forming a reactive storm slab in specific features (ridge lee areas, open cross-loaded slopes, convex rolls).

A persistent weak layer is down 80-110cm. This interface is breaking down, but consists of surface hoar in sheltered locations, and a sun crust on solar aspects. The snowpack's base is comprised of several early-season melt-freeze rain crusts

Weather Summary

Flurries, mild temps, and strong/gusty winds.

Tonight Isolated flurries, trace amounts, Alp low -8°C, ridge wind SW 30 km/h gusting 50.

Wed Isolated flurries, trace snow, Alp High -8°C, ridge wind SW 35km/h, freezing level (FZL) 1000m.

Thurs Flurries,10 cm, Alp High -6°C, ridge wind S 35km/h gusting 60, FZL 1200m.

Fri Cloudy/flurries, 5-10cm, Alp High -6°C, ridge wind 30km/h gusting, FZL 1200m.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.

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.