Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 8th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is high, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada lbaker, Avalanche Canada

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Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist at higher elevations where heavy snowfall and extreme winds are building reactive storm slabs. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday, a few natural, size 2, wind slab avalanches were reported on south-facing slopes at treeline and above. A widespread loose dry avalanche cycle was observed in steep unsupported terrain.

See this MIN post from Saturday for a report of a remotely triggered avalanche around the Coq Summit.

If you head into the backcountry by any method of travel, please consider submitting observations and/or photos on the Mountain Information Network.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Cloudy with flurries, 30 to 40 cm of snow. Southwest ridgetop winds 40 to 80 km/h. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Tuesday

Cloudy with flurries, 20 to 35 cm of snow. Southwest ridgetop winds 40 to 80 km/h. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Wednesday

Cloudy with scattered flurries, up to 5 cm of snow. Northwest ridgetop winds 10 to 30 km/h. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Thursday

Partly cloudy with isolated flurries, 3 to 6 cm of snow. Southwest ridgetop winds 20 to 40 km/h. Treeline temperatures drop through the day to -16 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for avalanche hazard to increase throughout the day.
  • Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
  • The best and safest riding will be on slopes that have soft snow without any slab properties.
  • Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain, large avalanches may reach the end of run out zones.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

+30 cm of snow and extreme ridgetop winds are rapidly building fresh storm slabs at higher elevations. Minimize exposure to overhead hazards at all elevations. Slab size and sensitivity will increase as snow continues to accumulate.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 9th, 2024 4:00PM

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