Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 28th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Loose Wet, Wet Slabs and Persistent Slabs.

Avalanche Canada kbakker, Avalanche Canada

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Freezing levels climb to mountain tops today with steady rain.Avalanches could occur on old instabilities buried deep in the snowpack.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday, a very large (size 3) avalanche was reported on Joffre shoulder in the Duffey lake area. With rising freezing levels and continued rain, it is likely that more of these avalanches will occur.

If you go out in the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

Up to 30 cm of recent storm snow is becoming moist and rain soaked below 2500 m. This snow rests over a crust on all aspects below 1800 m.

The mid and lower snowpack consists of various crusts and layers of facets or surface hoar. It seems these layers may be coming reactive again with the warming and increased load from rain.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Mainly cloudy, 5 to 10 mm of mixed precipitation. South alpine wind, 20 to 50 km/h. Freezing level rising to 2500 m.

Monday

Mainly cloudy, average of 15 mm, with the possibility of up to 35 mm of rain during the day. Up to an additional 10 mm overnight. South alpine wind, 30 to 50 km/h. Freezing level 2500 m.

Tuesday

Mainly sunny, trace of rain. Southwest alpine wind, 20 to 40 km/h. Freezing level falling to 2000 m.

Wednesday

Mainly cloudy, up to 5 mm of rain. Southeast alpine wind, 15 to 40 km/h. Freezing level 2200 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
  • Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.
  • Avoid areas with overhead hazard.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

As the freezing level rises and recent snow over a crust becomes moist, wet loose avalanches are very likely.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wet Slabs

An icon showing Wet Slabs

As the previously dry snow becomes wet above the crust, it will become touchy to triggering. Watch for signs of instability like shooting cracks, whoompfs, or pinwheeling.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

Warming temperatures and rain may reactivate old weak layers deep in the snowpack.

Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Valid until: Jan 29th, 2024 4:00PM

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