Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 4th, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada dsaly, Avalanche Canada

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Expect strong, gusty winds to quickly impact any loose snow. Retreat to mellower terrain if you see signs of instability like cracking around your skis, feet, or sled.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported recently.

If you head into the backcountry, please consider submitting observations and/or photos on the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

10-15 cm of settling snow may sit over a frozen crust into the low alpine, and possibly higher. This crust formed around the new year, and it seems to be variable in thickness and strength across the forecast area

50-100 cm down, a layer of facets or isolated surface hoar is sitting on another crust. This layer produced surprising avalanches late in December in areas west and south of Pemberton. Reports suggest it was less active in this forecast area, and trending towards dormancy.

Overall, the snow depth remains shallow, ranging between 80 and 120 cm, decreasing rapidly below tree line.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Cloudy with flurries beginning Friday morning. Moderate and increasing southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -10 °C.

Friday

Cloudy with flurries. Up to 10 cm of fresh snow accumulating by 4 pm. Strong southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -7 °C.

Saturday

Cloudy. Up to 25 cm of snow in 48 hrs, flurries ending early morning. Decreasing west ridgetop wind. Treeline low around -12 °C.

Sunday

A mix of sun and clouds. no precipitation. Light north ridgetop wind. Treeline low around -8 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
  • Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Expect strong, gusty winds to quickly impact any loose snow.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 5th, 2024 4:00PM

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