Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 18th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada lholtzman, Avalanche Canada

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Snow has been heavily redistributed by strong winds. Seek out lower elevation, sheltered terrain, for the safest and best riding conditions.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Reports are limited, but our field team reported strong to extreme winds on Thursday and confirmed that wind slab formation was continuing.

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

Thursday Night

Clearing overnight, no new snow, northeast alpine winds up to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -20 °C.

Friday

Sunny, no new snow expected, northeast alpine winds up to 40 km/hr decreasing in the afternoon, treeline temperature -20 °C.

Saturday

Mainly sunny with increasing cloud in the afternoon, light snow beginning in the afternoon/evening, alpine winds variable direction up to 20 km/h, treeline temperature around -20 °C.

Sunday

Cloudy, up to 3 cm of new snow overnight and another 2 cm through the day, southerly alpine winds up to 20 km/h, treeline temperature -18 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • 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

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Variable winds have formed wind slabs on all aspects in exposed terrain. Due to recent strong wind, slab formation may be partway down a slope.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 19th, 2024 4:00PM

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