Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 22nd, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
Parks Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Be wary of wind slabs and their potential to trigger deeper instabilities.
Most alpine and treeline areas have been affected by wind.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Avalanche control near Parkers on Friday Jan 17th produced slab avalanches up to size 2.5. These avalanches stepped down to the Deep Persistent layer.
A couple of wind slabs up to size two were observed on Sunwapta Peak and Nigel Peak on the 19th.
Snowpack Summary
Widespread wind affect in the TL and Alpine regions. Wind slabs sit on a very weak faceted mid pack. At the bottom of the snowpack are the early season crusts, which are often surrounded by large depth hoar. The snowpack is 70-130 cm in depth at treeline. Valley bottom travel is difficult in the weak, loose facets.
Weather Summary
ThursdayCloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries.
Precipitation: Trace.
Alpine temperature: High -9 °C.
Ridge winds: west, 15 km/h gusting to 50 km/h.
FridayA mix of sun and cloud.
Precipitation: Nil.
Alpine temperature: Low -15 °C, High -12 °C.
Ridge winds: northwest, 10-30 km/h.
SaturdayA mix of sun and cloud.
Precipitation: Nil.
Alpine temperature: Low -14 °C, High -5 °C.
Ridge winds: northwest, 10-25 km/h.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
- Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain; avalanches may run surprisingly far.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent strong to extreme winds have built windslabs in the alpine and treeline. Winds have been variable in direction so watch for reverse loading. The recent cold temperatures will preserve these windslabs for longer than usual. Avalanches may step down to the Deep Persistent Layer.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
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, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 23rd, 2025 4:00PM
