Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 27th, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet and Deep Persistent Slabs.
Parks Canada,
Avalanche Canada
One more warm day should keep you thinking about your exposure to steep terrain that is facing into the sun.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Numerous solar triggered Loose Wet avalanches, initiating in steep south to west facing features in the alpine, were observed in the Icefields area on Jan 27. Several of these triggered slabs that ran on a deeper crust and were up to size 2.
Two size two Deep Persistent Slab avalanches, in previously uncontrolled alpine terrain, were triggered by explosives at Marmot Basin on Jan 26.
Snowpack Summary
A variety of surface conditions exist depending on location, including sun crusts, hard wind slabs, and soft faceted snow. These overlie a generally weak and faceted mid-pack. At the bottom of the snowpack are the early season crusts, which are faceting and surrounded by large depth hoar. The snowpack is 70-130 cm in depth at tree line, and thins quickly below.
Weather Summary
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud.
Precipitation: Nil.
Alpine temperature: High -1 °C.
Ridge wind west: 15-30 km/h.
Freezing level: 1900 metres.
Wednesday
Mainly cloudy.
Precipitation: Nil.
Alpine temperature: Low -12 °C, High -7 °C.
Ridge wind southwest: 20 km/h.
Freezing level at valley bottom.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Limit exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.
- Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present in the snowpack.
Problems
Loose Wet
Remain cautious in or under steep terrain that faces into the sun, it is still pretty warm for the end of January. These avalanches have the potential to initiate a deeper slab.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
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.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 28th, 2025 4:00PM
