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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 14th, 2025–Jan 15th, 2025
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Brazeau, Churchill, Cirrus-Wilson, Fryatt, Icefields, Jasper, Maligne, Marmot, Miette Lake, Pyramid.

We are entering a period of changing weather, which will affect avalanche conditions. Reassess your usual ski lines, as shifting winds will redistribute wind slabs to new locations. Ice climbers should avoid routes with overhead exposure, as even a small loose dry avalanche could knock you off your feet.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Tuesday road patrol observed few small wind slab avalanches initiating at ridge tops and running as loose dry for short distance. Marmot Basin reported a small natural avalanche scrubbing to ground in the alpine on north aspect, suspected to be triggered out of steep rocky terrain

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is 60-120cm in depth at tree line. 10-30cm sits atop a weakening melt freeze crust and surface hoar layer from early December. The middle of the snowpack is facetted and there is a deep persistent layer at the base of the snowpack consisting of a decomposing melt freeze crust and depth hoar.

Weather Summary

WednesdayUp to 6 cms expected by Wednesday night. Strong westerly ridgetop winds will arrive with freezing levels at valley bottom and alpine temperatures around -7 C.Thursday

Up to 10 cms expected by Thursday afternoon. Expect strong southwesterly winds with temperatures dropping throughout the day to -14 C.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
  • Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Many high elevation features could have wind slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

Watch for signs of slab development on top of the faceted snowpack, like whumpfs and cracks. This faceted base of the snowpack is 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: Unlikely

Expected Size: 1 - 3