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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 12th, 2024–Dec 13th, 2024

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
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

Kootenay Boundary, Bonnington, Grohman, Kootenay Pass, Norns, Rossland, South Okanagan, Ymir, Shuswap, Crawford, Kokanee, North Okanagan, Valhalla.

Assess steep terrain for wind slab and ride one at a time.

The best riding conditions will be found in wind sheltered terrain.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No significant slab avalanches were reported over the past 3 days. Natural and skier triggered dry loose avalanches up to size 1.5 have been reported from steep terrain where the recent snow hasn’t bonded to the underlying crust.

Snowpack Summary

Wind affected snow may be found in exposed terrain at higher elevations. A new surface hoar layer can be found on or near the surface in sheltered terrain.

10 to 30 cm overlies a crust to 2200 m. The extent of this crust is uncertain in the alpine in the Selkirks. Where this crust is not present a layer of surface hoar may be found.

The mid and lower snowpack is well-settled, dense, and generally strong. Treeline snow depths range from 100 to 150 cm.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Mix of clear skies and cloud with trace amounts of snow expected. 5 to 15 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Friday

Mostly cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow possible. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Saturday

Cloudy with up to 20 cm of snow expected. 25 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising to 1500 m.

Sunday

Cloudy in the morning and mix of sun and cloud in the afternoon. Up to 15 cm of snow possible by early morning. 20 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Wind slabs are isolated, but may remain reactive.
  • Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
  • Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.

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.