Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 31st, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is Storm Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeThe incoming storm is driving the avalanche danger.
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Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
The new snow will be very reactive this weekend. Expect storm slabs anywhere deeper deposits have formed and fast-moving dry loose avalanches in steep terrain. Natural avalanches are possible on wind-loaded slopes.
Snowpack Summary
Flurries on Saturday will bring storm totals to 10 to 25 cm, with deeper deposits in wind-loaded areas. The new snow will likely bond poorly to old surfaces, which include melt-freeze crusts on sun-exposed slopes, surface hoar or facets on shaded slopes, and wind-affected snow at higher elevations. Some areas also have slightly deeper surface hoar layers that have not yet been loaded by a slab (20 to 30 cm deep).
A weak layer of facets from early December is buried 50 to 100 cm deep, or as shallow as 30 cm near Invermere. While recently inactive, this layer could reawaken with heavy loading or warming.
The base of the snowpack consists of a thick crust with facets or depth hoar in many areas.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy with 0 to 5 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Sunday
Mix of sun and cloud with 0 to 3 cm of snow. 10 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Monday
Mix of sun and cloud with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 10 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Use conservative route selection. Choose simple, low angle terrain with no overhead hazard.
- Avoid freshly wind-loaded terrain features.
- Be aware of the potential for remote triggering and large avalanches due to buried surface hoar.
- Dial back your terrain choices if you are seeing more than 20 cm of new snow.
Problems
Storm Slabs
The new snow will bond poorly to underlying layers, with deeper slabs expected on northeast aspects due to wind loading.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 1st, 2025 4:00PM