Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 30th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs, Persistent Slabs and Loose Wet.
RJ,
Avalanche Canada
Avalanche hazard will remain elevated with the unseasonably warm temperatures and high winds. Choose conservative terrain while these conditions persists this week.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
Numerous natural avalanches at all elevations were observed over the past few days. Impressive avalanches up to size 3 out of alpine and tree line features, as well as loose wet and wet slabs up to size 2 below tree line were observed.
Snowpack Summary
High freezing levels, mixed precipitation, and solar radiation has formed surface crusts or moist snow up to 2500m, and higher on steep sun effected slopes.
Persistent weak layers formed in early January are down 20-30cm in sheltered areas, and have been reactive more recently where wind loaded. Well developed facets and depth hoar make up the bottom of the snowpack.
Weather Summary
It will continue to be unseasonably warm. There is also potential for some isolated flurries or light rain depending on elevation near the icefields.
The Mountain Weather Forecast is available at Avalanche Canada https://www.avalanche.ca/weather/forecast
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.
- Stick to non-avalanche terrain or small features with limited consequence.
Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
The base of the snowpack is inherently weak and untrustworthy. Concern for human and natural triggering of this avalanche problem will persist as the temperatures remain warm over the next few days.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
This layer is concerning when there is a cohesive slab overlying it.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Watch for this problem to increase during the day with solar and rising day time freezing levels similar to spring conditions.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 31st, 2024 4:00PM
