Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 17th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
bchristie,
Avalanche Canada
Wind has modified the snow surface on all aspects, and down to valley bottom in most places. Soft snow is sparse.
Alpine wind slabs may still avalanche under the weight of a human or machine.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Monday, a few large natural avalanches were reported in the highway corridor on both the Canadian and American sides of White Pass. These likely occurred with wind loading recent storm snow into lee features.
Wind slabs may continue to be rider-triggerable on all aspects in the alpine on Thursday.
Snowpack Summary
Variable direction, moderate to strong winds have formed wind slabs on all aspects and at all elevations. In isolated areas sheltered from the wind, you may find up to 10 cm of soft snow on the surface.
The middle of the snowpack is settled and strong.
Right above the ground, you'll find 30-40 cm of loose, sugary, faceted snow under a crust.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy. Trace of new snow expected. Strong to extreme northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature falling to around -18 °C.
Thursday
Partly cloudy. No new snow expected. Moderate to strong east or northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -20 °C.
Friday
Mostly sunny. No new snow expected. Moderate to strong northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -20 °C, with possible temperature inversion.
Saturday
Partly cloudy. Trace of snow expected. Moderate northeast ridgetop wind. Temperature inversion breaking down, treeline temperature around -18 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Even a small avalanche can be harmful if it pushes you into an obstacle or a terrain trap.
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
- Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Variable winds have formed wind slabs on all aspects in exposed terrain. These slabs seem to be bonding at lower elevations, but may still be reactive in the alpine. Due to recent strong wind, slab formation may be partway down a slope.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 18th, 2024 4:00PM
