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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 28th, 2024–Dec 29th, 2024

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

Regions

Lizard-Flathead, Flathead, Lizard.

Local new snow accumulations may be significant.

Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, a natural avalanche cycle occurred with numerous storm slabs (size 2) and cornice failures from northerly alpine slopes near Fernie.

Skiers also produced several small loose dry avalanches (size 1.5) on steep sheltered treeline slopes.

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

Snowpack Summary

Recent snowfall has brought 25 to 40 cm of fresh snow in localized areas. The southwest wind has redistributed this new snow, forming deeper deposits on leeward slopes at higher elevations.

Below the new snow, a thick melt-freeze crust exists below approximately 1500 m.

The mid and lower snowpack is generally well-settled and stable.

Snow depths at treeline range from 120 to 180 cm.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Cloudy with 10 to 15 cm of new snow. 25 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Sunday

Cloudy with up to 5 cm of new snow. 5 to 15 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Monday

Cloudy with up to 2 cm of new snow. 5 to 15 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Tuesday

Cloudy with up to 2 cm of new snow. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Keep your guard up as storm slabs may remain sensitive to human triggering.
  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.
  • Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
  • Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-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.