Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 26th, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet.
Parks Canada,
Avalanche Canada
The moderate rating is due to an inversion and plenty of sunshine in the forecast for Monday. This could increase the avalanche danger on steep, sun-exposed terrain, particularly for ice climbers.
Overall, the snowpack is either wind-hammered or completely faceted.
Summary
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
On Saturday, some small, loose, wet natural avalanches (sz. 1) were reported above the Bourgeau ice climbs near Sunshine ski hill, but they didn't reach the tops of the climbs. A few small, solar-triggered slides (size 1-1.5) were also seen today in the Lake Louise backcountry. These slides ran a couple hundred metres.
Snowpack Summary
There has been widespread wind effect down into treeline in exposed areas.
Where the wind hasn't had an impact, the surface is a mix of facets and/ or sun crust, depending on your location. Below this, the mid-pack consists primarily of facets.
At the base of the snowpack lies a widespread, weak layer of depth hoar and a crust. It is dormant for now but should not be forgotten.
Snow depths at the treeline range from 60 to 100 cm.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.
Problems
Loose Wet
This problem is specific to extreme solar terrain, such as that on many ice climbs. However, there is uncertainty about how much this will affect the hazard. We don't expect this to be a problem on shady aspects.
Aspects: South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 27th, 2025 4:00PM
