Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 4th, 2025 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada Avalanche Canada, Avalanche Canada

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Wind slabs continue to build and are reactive to human triggering.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

Explosive control in the Duffey area recently produced several large wind slab avalanches.

Over the weekend, numerous storm slab avalanches were reported, most were artificially triggered by humans or explosives, size 1-2. Some were triggered remotely or sympathetically.

These are failing at the crust or facet layer that currently exists beneath the storm snow.

Snowpack Summary

30 to 50 cm of snow fell over the weekend. Generally, sheltered snow quality has been excellent, with wind redistribution occurring near ridgetops.

This recent snow is bonding poorly to an underlying weak layer formed during the January drought. Depending on aspect and elevation, the layer may exist as a hard crust, faceted grains and/or surface hoar.

The mid and lower snowpack is well-settled and bonded with no other layers of concern.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Mostly clear. 5 to 15 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -20 °C.

Wednesday

Sunny. Calm. Treeline temperature -14 °C.

Thursday

Partly cloudy. Calm. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Friday

Increasing cloudiness. Calm. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid lee and cross-loaded slopes at alpine and treeline elevations.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction, so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Start with conservative terrain and watch for signs of instability.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Winds have varied in direction over the past few days, be aware when transitioning into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Feb 5th, 2025 4:00PM

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