Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 7th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs.
MH,
Avalanche Canada
Great turns are found in sheltered areas, but be sure to have a dig to investigate how the storm snow is bonding. Human triggering remains possible.
The days are short, leave enough time at the end of the day in case of an emergency. We have seen a barrage of calls come in, leaving little or no time for an efficient response before darkness.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Third-hand report of a skier-triggered avalanche in The Ravens area on Sunday, size 2 storm slab. All people were accounted for, but no other information was available. Please post a MIN report when these types of incidents occur.
A natural avalanche cycle occurred Friday into Saturday with results ranging from size 2 up to 3.5. The majority of activity was on the East side of the Park off Mt. Tupper and MacDonald.
Snowpack Summary
20-40cms of storm snow with moderate to strong winds has created a storm slab in the alpine and exposed areas at treeline. This new snow sits on sun crust on solar aspects; firm wind effect in the alpine; and soft facetted snow on sheltered N aspects.
Below 2100m there is a crust down 50-60cm (from Dec 5th/6th).
The Dec 1 surface hoar (decomposing) is down 60-100cm and has seen isolated deep pockets "pop" out in steeper, alpine terrain.
Record low snowpack for the Park.
Weather Summary
The powder piggies have been filling their bellies in the 'deep' snow trenches after the recent snowfall.
Monday will be cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Ridgetop winds will be 20-35km/hr from the SW. Alpine temps could reach a high of -12.
Another Pacific pulse of snow arrives Tuesday morning, 10-15cm.
Temps drop Wednesday night down to -25 and remain cold until a gradual rewarming on Saturday.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- If triggered, storm slabs in-motion may step down to deeper layers and result in very large avalanches.
- Be carefull with sluffing in steep terrain, especially above cliffs and terrain traps.
Problems
Storm Slabs
20-40cms of new snow has settled into a storm slab, and will be deeper in wind loaded areas. These slabs will be most reactive if sitting on old sugary snow or a crust.
Expect sluffing at all elevations in steeper terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 8th, 2024 4:00PM
