Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 26th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Wet.

Avalanche Canada kbakker, Avalanche Canada

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Rainfall and high freezing levels are going to transform the snowpack. Watch for signs of instability as the snow begins to saturate.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Wet loose avalanches continue to be observed in steep terrain at treeline and below.

Snowpack Summary

In the alpine, up to 25 cm of wind redistributed snow sits on a decomposing melt-freeze crust. At treeline and below, 10 cm of rapidly settling moist snow sits on a crust from Tuesdays warming event.

The mid and lower snowpack contain several crusts that are not concerning. The snowpack remains shallow for this time of year.

Weather Summary

Friday Night

Mostly cloudy with mixed precipitation, 5 to 10 cm at higher elevations. South alpine wind, 30 to 40 km/h. Freezing level around 1600 m, higher around the Fraser Valley.

Saturday

Cloudy with 5 to 10 mm rain during the day, 10 to 20 mm overnight. South alpine wind, 25 to 35 km/h. Freezing level rising to 2500 m.

Sunday

Mix of sun and clouds, up to 2mm rain. Southwest alpine wind, 30 to 50 km/h. Freezing level rising to 2600 m.

Monday

Mostly sunny. South alpine winds, 40 to 50 km/h. Freezing level 2700 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.
  • Even a small avalanche can be harmful if it pushes you into an obstacle or a terrain trap.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Wet loose avalanches are possible at all elevations as freezing levels rise. Expect them to be touchy in areas where a melt-freeze crust lays beneath the surface snow.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 27th, 2024 4:00PM