Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 25th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
mhalik,
Avalanche Canada
New rider-triggerable wind slabs may form throughout the day, use caution when traveling at or near ridge crests.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
Wednesday: Several naturally-triggered large (size 2) avalanches were observed in the Bear Pass area.
Tuesday: Several small (size 1) avalanches were triggered both by riders and natural causes in many areas across the bulletin region.
The potential for triggering avalanches will increase as more precipitation and continued strong southwesterly winds affect the snowpack in the coming days.
Snowpack Summary
20-30 cm of recent snowfall accompanied by southwesterly winds has formed wind slabs on lee slopes at treeline and above. At lower elevations, where some of this precipitation may have fallen as rain, moist snow or a crust will be present.
A layer of surface hoar has been found 30-40 cm deep at treeline and below in isolated areas, mostly in the southwestern parts of the region. A 15 cm thick hard crust with overlying facetted grains from the beginning of January is 60 - 70 cm deep at treeline elevations.
The rest of the snowpack is strong and well-settled.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Cloudy with 3-15 cm of new snow / light to moderate rain, southwest alpine wind 30-40 km/h, treeline low 0°C, freezing level around 500 m in the north and 1100 m to the south with potential for a temperature inversion in some areas.
Friday
Cloudy with 5-15 cm of new snow / light to moderate rain, southwest alpine wind 70-80 km/h in southern parts and 40 -50 km/h in the north, treeline high of 1 °C, freezing level between 700-1300 m.
Saturday
Cloudy with up to 10-20 cm of snow / moderate to heavy rain, southwest alpine wind 55-75 km/h, treeline high of 1 °C, freezing level around 800-1400 m.
Sunday
Cloudy with up to 25 cm snow / moderate to heavy rain, south alpine wind 75-80 km/h, treeline high of 3 °C, freezing level 1500-1800 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.
- Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.
Problems
Wind Slabs
These slabs will be most reactive at or near ridge crests, especially during periods when snow is being moved by wind onto lee slopes.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 26th, 2024 4:00PM
