Avalanche Forecast

On January 6, a natural avalanche cycle to size 2.5 was observed, and storm slabs to size 2 were reactive to rider traffic, as well as sluffing in steep terrain.

A very large (size 4) avalanche was reported on Joffre shoulder and around towards Slalok; observed from a distance it is hard to determine what layer this avalanche failed.

Strong southwest then northerly wind has impacted loose snow at upper elevations. More snow and wind is forecast starting Monday.

30-60 cm of recent and settling snow covers the Dec 30 crust (and isolated Jan 3 surface hoar), this crust is more prominent at treeline and below, and varies in thickness and strength across the forecast area. A Dec 20 crust is being tracked further west of this forecast region. Now down 80-120 cm, facets and surface hoar over a crust have been trending dormant except for a few large, suspect avalanches reported Jan 6. Snowpack depths are 80-120 cm around treeline and decrease rapidly below.

Sunday Night

Cloudy with isolated flurries. Light increasing ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -18 °C.

Monday

Cloudy with flurries, 5 cm. Southwest ridgetop increasing to strong. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Snow, 10-25 cm. Strong southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C.

Snowfall decreasing, 5 cm. Moderate decreas9jgmsouthwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -18 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Fresh wind slabs will likely form throughout the day, diligently watch for changing conditions.
• Dial back your terrain choices if you are seeing more than 25cm of new snow.
• Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
• Investigate the bond of the recent snow before committing to your line.