Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 12th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is Storm Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeAllow the recent storm and wind slabs time to bond and stabilize.
Extreme cold significantly increases the consequences of an incident in the backcountry.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Avalanche activity on Thursday has been reported as mostly naturally triggered loose dry avalanches to size 1 in steep terrain in the alpine. On Wednesday there were reports several size 2 naturally triggered storm and wind slab avalanches in alpine terrain.
If you go out in the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Snowpack Summary
Northerly winds at all elevations have redistributed roughly 30 to 60 cm of low-density snow. This new snow has buried various old surfaces, including surface hoar in sheltered alpine terrain and sun-crusts on steep south-facing terrain.
The mid and lower snowpack is generally well bonded with a series of crusts and facetted snow.
The average snow depth at treeline is approximately 70 to 150 cm.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Mostly clear, northwest alpine wind 20-40 km/h, treeline temperature -36 °C.
Saturday
Sunny with no precipitation, northwest alpine wind 15 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -28 °C.
SundaySunny with no precipitation, northwest alpine wind 15-30km/h, treeline temperature -24 °C.
MondaySunny with no precipitation, northeast alpine wind 10-20 km/h, treeline temperature -20 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
- Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Recent storm snow requires time to stabilize and bond. Cold temperatures may prolong this process. Northerly winds may produce an atypical loading pattern.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 13th, 2024 4:00PM