Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 11th, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada mbender, Avalanche Canada

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Wind slabs in exposed terrain are the main concern at the moment.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Recent avalanche observations are limited to a few small dry loose avalanches.

Snowpack Summary

Recent strong southerly wind formed wind slabs in lee terrain features near ridges. Terrain sheltered from the wind has about 10 cm of soft snow. This snow may sit above a layer of surface hoar crystals. A weak layer of facets that formed during the arctic outbreak in December is buried 30 to 60 cm deep. Observations suggest it is fairly widespread, but not reactive to triggering under the current conditions.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries and trace accumulations of snow, Light to moderate south winds. Treeline high temperature around -7°C.

Thursday

Increasing cloud with scattered flurries bringing up to 3 cm of snow. Moderate to strong southerly winds. Treeline high temperature around -5°C.

Friday

Cloudy with flurries bringing 1-3cm. Moderate southerly winds. Treeline high temperature around -5°.

Saturday

Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries. Light south winds. Treeline high temperature around -5°.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Recent strong southerly wind likely formed wind slabs on north-facing terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 12th, 2023 4:00PM

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