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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 25th, 2024–Dec 26th, 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

South Coast Inland, Birkenhead, Duffey, South Chilcotin, Stein, Taseko.

New snow and strong wind are expected to build fresh storm slabs.These slabs could step down to deeper layers creating larger than expected avalanches.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Monday, numerous naturally occurring size 1 to 2 wind slabs and cornice falls were observed across the region, as well as one size 1.5 rider triggered avalanche.

On Sunday, riders reported shooting cracks and small reactive wind slabs near Vantage Ridge.

Looking forward, we expect storm slabs to remain reactive to human triggers throughout this stormy period, particularly on upper elevations and lee slopes.

Snowpack Summary

35 to 60 cm of snow or rain at lower elevations, has fallen since last Saturday. Another 10 to 30 cm are expected above 1200 m overnight, and throughout the day Thursday.

Moderate to strong southerly winds are expected to build touchy cornices and form deeper deposits on north-facing slopes.

The accumulated storm snow may be poorly bonded to an underlying crust, which could result in very large avalanches.

A crust or moist surface snow is expected at lower elevations.

50 to 100 cm of snow overlies a crust on south aspects and all other aspects below 1800 m from early December. A layer of surface hoar may exist just above this crust in sheltered terrain at treeline.

Snow depths at treeline vary between 90 to 140 cm.

Weather Summary

Wednesday NightCloudy with 3 to 10 cm of new snow or rain below 1000 m. 20 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.

Thursday

Cloudy with 8 to 20 cm of new snow or rain below 1200 m. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1000 m rising to 1400 m.

FridayCloudy. 5 to 10 km/h variable ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Freezing level 700 m.

Saturday

Cloudy with 0 to 7 cm of new snow. 25 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 700 m rising to 1400 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.
  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
  • Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.

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.