Avalanche forecast

South Rockies

Dec 9 – 10, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Approach ridgelines and wind affected slopes with caution.

Head to wind sheltered slopes for the best riding conditions.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs remain reactive to human triggers. Fresh slabs will form where snow is available for transport.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Wind loaded features were rider triggerable on Saturday, producing size one slabs. We expect this activity to continue.

Observations are limited, please submit a MIN if you head into the backcountry!

Snowpack Summary

Surfaces at higher elevations are heavily wind effected, with wind loading on east facing slopes and likely scoured west facing slopes.

A melt freeze crust exists near the base of the snowpack, reports suggest it is currently not a problem for the region.

Treeline snow depths are typically 50 to 80 cm, with deeper wind-loaded pockets in the alpine.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Partly cloudy. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature dropping to -10 °C.

Monday

Mostly sunny. 20 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Tuesday

Mostly sunny. 30 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny with afternoon cloud. 30 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °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.
  • Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.
  • Expect slab conditions to change drastically as you move into wind-exposed terrain.

Regions covered