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Avalanche Forecast

Jan 9th, 2024–Jan 10th, 2024
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: East Island, North Island, South Island, Vancouver Island, West Island.

Natural avalanche activity is expected to taper with the storm, but human-triggering remains likely.

Be especially cautious in steep, wind-loaded terrain at upper elevations.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

At the time of publishing, there have been no new avalanches reported. We suspect a widespread natural avalanche cycle occurred overnight on Monday and into Tuesday.

Looking forward to Wednesday, natural activity is expected to taper with the storm, but human triggering will remain likely. Be especially cautious in wind-loaded terrain where deeper, more cohesive slabs may exist.

Snowpack Summary

40 to 90 cm of new snow arrived over the past few days, accompanied by strong to extreme southerly winds.

This snow falls on previously wind-affected surfaces at upper elevations. Up to 1400 m, it falls on a crust.

The remainder of the snowpack is strong, with numerous hard melt-freeze crusts.

Treeline snow depths generally range from 50 to 150 cm. Snow depth diminishes rapidly below 500 m where there has been more rainfall.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Clearing, isolated flurries in the evening. Alpine wind northwest 30 to 50 km/h. Treeline temperature drops to -5 ºC.

Wednesday

Mainly sunny with no new snow. Alpine wind northwest 25 to 40 km/h. Treeline temperature -5 ºC.

Thursday

Sunny with cloudy periods and no new snow. Northwest outflow wind, 70 to 120 km/h. Treeline temperature drops to -10 ºC.

Friday

Mainly sunny with no new snow. Alpine wind northwest 30 to 60 km/h. Treeline temperature drops to -15 ºC.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
  • Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
  • Don't let the desire for deep powder pull you into high consequence terrain.
  • Stay off recently wind loaded slopes until they have had a chance to stabilize.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Up to 90 cm of new snow accompanied by strong to extreme southwest winds have formed storm slabs that will be deepest and most reactive in wind-loaded terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5