Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 6th, 2025 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada Parks Canada, Avalanche Canada

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Expecting a warm and windy blast of weather this week.

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Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Weekend patrols on Highway 93N reported very little avalanche activity, aside from some minor sluffing in steep, rocky terrain.

Marmot Basin continues to see full-depth releases on the weak, Deep Persistent layer up to size 2. These are being triggered with heavy loads (explosives).

Snowpack Summary

Up to 10-20cm of low-density surface snow has accumulated under prolonged calm conditions. Tuesday's expected weather system to come with moderate to strong winds.

Generally, the snowpack structure is fragile with HS values of 60 to 120cm at treeline and above. Weak, deep persistent layers, riddled with facets and depth hoar form the base of the snowpack.

Weather Summary

Early this week, winds are forecasted to intensify at ridgetop, reaching its peak by Tuesday.

Tonight: Clear skies and no new precip overnight temps will -9°C, with NW winds 10-20 km/h.

Tuesday: A mix of sun and clouds; high of -1°C. Overnight ALP temps will rise with light SW winds. FZL: 1600m.

Wednesday: Isolated overnight flurries and trace precip anticipated.  Alp Temps: -10°C to -7°C, light W winds.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
  • Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present in the snowpack.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

A variety of crusts with facets above and below exist at the bottom of the snowpack. These layers are going to be with us for a long time and pose a low probability, high consequence situation if triggered.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Jan 7th, 2025 4:00PM

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