Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 20th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Persistent Slabs and Storm Slabs.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Don't let good riding lure you into complacency, large and surprising avalanches have failed on a buried weak layer in the past few days.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
A widespread natural avalanche cycle took place during the storm on Wednesday. Observations have been limited following the storm, but there have been several persistent slab avalanches reported throughout the region since (size 2).
Snowpack Summary
As much as 60 cm of recent snow has been redistributed by southwest winds into deeper deposits in lee terrain features at higher elevations.
A weak layer of surface hoar in sheltered, shaded terrain and a sun crust on south-facing terrain is now buried 40 to 90 cm. This layer has been most active in the Goat Range.
The lower snowpack is strong and bonded. Treeline snow depths range from 100 to 180 cm.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Cloudy with up to 5 cm of new snow. 15 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C.
Saturday
A mix of sun and cloud with up to 2 cm of new snow. 15 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C.
Sunday
A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. 20 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
Monday
Cloudy with up to 5 cm of new snow. 15 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Stay off recently wind loaded slopes until they have had a chance to stabilize.
- Uncertainty is best managed through conservative terrain choices.
- Approach steep and open slopes at and below treeline cautiously, as buried surface hoar may exist.
- Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to a buried crust.
Problems
Persistent Slabs
Surface hoar, and in some areas a crust, have produced large and surprising avalanches in the past few days. Be especially cautious in steep openings at treeline and below.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Storm Slabs
Storm slabs have likely started to heal with warmer temperatures, but could remain reactive in wind-loaded terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 21st, 2024 4:00PM
