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Avalanche Forecast

Jan 24th, 2024–Jan 25th, 2024
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Brazeau, Churchill, Cirrus-Wilson, Fryatt, Icefields, Jasper, Maligne, Marmot, Miette Lake, Pyramid.

Buried weak layers can "wake-up" during periods of warming. Keep in mind your overhead hazard during the warmest part of the day.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have be reported.

Snowpack Summary

As a general observation, the snowpack continues to be weak and largely unsupportive, though recent storm snow has improved travel. HS at tree-line is 45-75cm. Ski penetration is down ~30cm which shows that while shallow, there is some structure (slab) in the mid-pack. An interface down ~25cm shows up in snowpack tests; while in the field, reactivity will be subject to the strength of the slab over the PWL layer.

Weather Summary

Thursday

Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries.

Precipitation: Trace.

Alpine temperature: High -6 °C.

Ridge wind southwest: 15-35 km/h.

Freezing level: 1500m

The Mountain Weather Forecast is available at Avalanche Canada https://avalanche.ca/weather/forecast

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
  • A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

Recent reported avalanches in the Icefields were down ~30cm on this suspect interface. This layer is concerning when there is a cohesive slab overlying it. Watch for the warnings in the snowpack like shooting cracks.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

Triggering may be possible in isolated features. Approaches or transitions with steep rocky terrain are particularly worrisome. Watch for signs of whumping and cracking.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Loose Wet

This problem is isolated to where there is enough snow to avalanche below tree-line with the high freezing levels.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Below Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5