Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 4th, 2025 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Persistent Slabs.

Avalanche Canada Avalanche Canada, Avalanche Canada

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Use caution in sheltered areas at treeline and above. A preserved weak layer may remain reactive to human triggering.

Check out the new Forecaster BlogĀ "Keeping a Conservative Mindset".

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday, a few small natural and human-triggered loose dry avalanches were reported in steep northeast facing terrain. See this great MIN for details!

We expect unconsolidated snow will remain reactive to skier traffic on Wednesday in steep terrain. Carefully manage sluffing and minimize exposure to overhead hazards wherever possible.

Snowpack Summary

20 to 35 cm of storm snow blankets the area. Expect to find deeper deposits on north and east slopes in wind-loaded areas. Storm snow has not bonded well to the old snow surfaces, which includes melt-freeze crusts on sun-exposed slopes, large surface hoar or facets on shaded slopes, and wind-affected snow in exposed terrain at ridgelines.

A weak layer of surface hoar of facets is buried, 20 to 35 cm deep. This layer is most likely to be preserved in sheltered areas at treeline.

The lower snowpack is strong and bonded. Treeline snow depths average 150 to 200 cm.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Mainly clear. 5 to 15 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -19 °C.

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Thursday

Mainly sunny. 5 to 15 km/h variable ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Friday

Mainly sunny. 10 to 15 km/h variable ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.
  • Fresh snow rests on a problematic persistent slab, don't let good riding lure you into complacency.
  • Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

A weak layer of surface hoar/facets or a crust exists 20 to 35 cm down. This layer may be reactive to human-triggering where a slab has developed above it. Watch for signs of instability: whumphing, shooting cracks and recent avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Feb 5th, 2025 4:00PM

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