Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 2nd, 2025 4:00PM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Wind Slabs, Persistent Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

Avalanche Canada Avalanche Canada, Avalanche Canada

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Avoid areas where the wind is actively depositing snow, wind slabs are most reactive as they are forming.

Very large avalanches are a continuing concern in alpine terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Yesterday, large (size 2.5) natural wind slab avalanches were observed on west aspects in the alpine. Two very large (size 3) deep persistent slabs occurred on steep north-facing terrain at 1900 m.

Over the past week, three deep persistent avalanches were reported on north and south aspect terrain in the alpine. This hazard remains relevant, especially in steep areas with variable snowpack depth.

Snowpack Summary

Between 30 to 60 cm of light and dry snow is being redistributed by strong north east wind, reverse loading features at all elevations.

A layer of surface hoar was buried near the end of January and can be found between 50 to 90cm deep.

Buried weak layers from December are 150 to 250 cm deep. These include crusts, facets, and/or surface hoar, and continue to produce large avalanches.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Clear. 30 to 60 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -25 °C.

Monday

Sunny. 50 to 70 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -22 °C.

Tuesday

Sunny. 50 to 70 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Wednesday

Sunny. 10 to 25 km/h North ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

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 freshly wind-loaded terrain features.
  • Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Strong outflow (northeast) wind is actively building wind slabs on south and west aspects

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

Recent new snow overlies a crust and surface hoar. This problem continues to produce natural and human triggered avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

The 150 to 250 cm deep weak layer from early December continues to produce large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2.5 - 3.5

Valid until: Feb 3rd, 2025 4:00PM

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