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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 5th, 2024–Dec 6th, 2024

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

Regions

North Rockies, McBride, Sugarbowl, East Kakwa, Kakwa, McGregor, Pine Pass, Renshaw, Robson, Tumbler.

Complex and dangerous avalanche conditions persist, with more precipitation and a chance of above-freezing temperatures in some areas.

Confidence

Moderate

Snowpack Summary

Following last weekend's snowfall, surface conditions continue to change, with 40 to 80 cm of recent storm snow settling quickly due to warming and rain. The deepest amounts are in Pine Pass and McGregor areas. Recent snow presents several potential weaknesses including wet snow from warming and wind slabs from strong winds. There may also be a poor bond to underlying layers, especially in the northern Cariboos and Renshaw areas, though data is limited.

The lower snowpack contains a widespread crust from early-November, possibly with weak facets around it. Its distribution and reactivity are unclear, and it is uncertain if avalanches are failing on this layer.

Treeline snow depths range from 60 to 200 cm.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Mostly cloudy. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C.

Friday

Cloudy with precipitation increasing in intensity throughout the day. 10 to 20 cm in most areas, with 0 to 5 cm of snow on the eastern slopes. Snow is expected at roughly 1200 m and above, with rain at lower elevations. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of snow in most areas, with 1 to 3 cm of snow on the eastern slopes. Snow is expected at roughly 1200 m and above, with rain at lower elevations. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -1 °C. Freezing level around 1300 m.

Sunday

Mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Use conservative route selection and resist venturing into complex terrain.
  • Avoid freshly wind-loaded terrain features.
  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.
  • A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.

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.

Loose Wet

Loose Wet avalanches are the release of wet unconsolidated snow or slush. These avalanches typically occur within layers of wet snow near the surface of the snowpack, but they may quickly gouge into lower snowpack layers. Like Loose Dry Avalanches, they start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-wet avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs. Loose Wet avalanches can trigger slab avalanches that break into deeper snow layers.