Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 13th, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet and Wind Slabs.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Solar input and 0 °C alpine temperatures may trigger a natural avalanche cycle on solar slopes.
Minimize exposure to overhead hazards when solar radiation is strong.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Sunday, a few skier-triggered wind slab avalanches were reported up to size 1.5.
Throughout the weekend several skier-triggered wind slab avalanches were reported on all aspects. Evaluate slopes individually for slabs before committing to them.
A few natural glide slab avalanches were observed throughout the weekend up to size 2. Glide slabs are hard to forecast. If you see a glide crack, simply avoid being under it.
Snowpack Summary
In the alpine, switching winds have created wind-affected surfaces and wind slabs on all aspects. At treeline and below, exposed features are wind-affected however on sheltered north and east aspects at this elevation low-density snow surfaces remain preserved.
A crust is buried 60 to 100 cm deep and may have a layer of surface hoar sitting above it. Recent tests show this layer as unreactive.
The remainder of the mid and lower snowpack is well-settled.
Snow depths at treeline are roughly 100 to 150 cm.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Clear skies. 5 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. An above freezing layer persists between 1500 and 2500 m.
Tuesday
Mainly sunny. 10 to 25 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +1 °C. Freezing levels 2500 m.
Wednesday
Mainly sunny. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +1 °C. Freezing levels 2500 m.
Thursday
Partly cloudy with light flurries, 1 cm. 15 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing levels drop to 800 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid sun-exposed slopes, especially if the snow surface is moist or wet.
- Rocks will heat up with daytime warming and may become trigger points for loose wet avalanches.
- Avoid steep, rocky, and wind-affected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
Problems
Loose Wet
Above-freezing temperatures in the alpine and solar input may trigger loose wet avalanches on sunny slopes. A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling or natural avalanches are signs of a weakening snowpack.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Shifting winds have created wind slabs on a variety of aspects. Look for signs of wind effect on the snow surface as you move through the terrain.
Strong sun may increase the reactivity of wind slabs on steep, sun-affected slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 14th, 2025 4:00PM
