Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 30th, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Storm snow is building reactive slabs. Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of rapid loading by new snow and wind.
Check out this forecaster blog on mindset following the storm.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanches have been reported. We are coming out of a long period of warm and dry conditions and low avalanche danger. Now, with significant new snow and strong wind in the forecast, we anticipate widespread avalanche activity will be very likely on Friday.
Snowpack Summary
New snow is rapidly accumulating, creating reactive storm slabs. By late Friday afternoon, storm totals are expected to reach 25 to 40 cm, accompanied by strong southwesterly winds at ridgetops. This new snow is falling on a hard crust in most areas, and on facets on upper-elevation north-facing slopes. Our biggest concern will be how quickly the new snow will bond - we expect it to take several days or longer. Otherwise, the mid and lower snowpack remains dense, well-settled, and free of concerning layers.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Cloudy with 10 to 15 cm of snow. 40 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Friday
Cloudy with 15 to 25 cm of snow / possible rain below 1100 m. 55 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures -3 °C. Freezing levels 600 rising to 1100 m.
Saturday
Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Sunday
Cloudy with 3 to 8 cm of snow. 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures -11 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.
- Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.
- Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Widespread reactive storm slabs are expected to build at all elevations overnight and throughout Friday.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 31st, 2025 4:00PM
