Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 25th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Thursday's weather kicks the snowfall and winds up a notch. Choosing sheltered lower elevations should help manage the increasing wind slab problem.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported in the region, however observations have been limited.
Please share your own observations through the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
Steady light snowfall and southeasterly wind has likely formed deeper deposits on north through west aspects and scoured or pressed south and east facing slopes.
By end of day Thursday, another 10 - 15 cm should add to 10 to 30 cm of recent snow sitting above a firm, supportive crust that extends up to 1500 m. A recent MIN report describes well-preserved surface hoar sitting on this crust in the Powder Valley. This setup is worth investigating throughout the region as slabs that form over this grain could be surprisingly touchy.
The remainder of the snowpack has no layers of concern. Snowpack depths range from about 70 to 180 cm.
Weather Summary
Wednesday night
Cloudy with flurries bringing 5 to 10 cm of new snow. 30 to 40 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Thursday
Cloudy with increasing flurries bringing 5 to 15 cm of new snow, continuing overnight. 50 to 70 km/h southeast ridgetop wind becoming southwest. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Friday
Mostly cloudy with a trace of new snow. 15 to 25 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Saturday
A mix of sun and cloud. 5 to 10 km/h variable ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.
- Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Increasing flurries and elevated winds mean new, reactive wind slabs will continue forming in exposed terrain. Thursday's forecast strong winds may form slabs farther down slope than usual.
Aspects: North, North East, South West, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 26th, 2024 4:00PM
