Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 16th, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Persistent Slabs and Storm Slabs.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Deep instabilities are present and have produced large avalanches over the past few days.
Natural avalanches may taper but human triggering is likely.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Wednesday a widespread natural avalanche cycle continued. Large to very large avalanches were seen up to size 3.
Snowpack Summary
Storm snow totals over the past few days range from 40 to 80 cm. Strong to extreme west through southwest wind has created widespread wind effect, with deeper deposits of snow on leeward slopes. Forecast-changing winds may start to load southerly aspects on Friday.
Down 70 to 120 cm a layer of surface hoar, facets, or a thin crust exists.
A persistent weak layer of surface hoar and facets overlying a crust is buried 120 to 150 cm deep. This layer remains reactive, producing large and dangerous avalanches.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Cloudy with few flurries. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 700 m.
Friday
Mostly sunny. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Saturday
A mix of sun and cloud, possible flurries up to 5 cm. 10 to 25 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Sunday
A mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 20 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C. Freezing level valley bottom.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
- Fresh snow rests on a problematic persistent slab, don't let good riding lure you into complacency.
- Avoid freshly wind-loaded terrain features.
- Keep in mind that human triggering may persist as natural avalanches taper off.
Problems
Persistent Slabs
The persistent slab avalanche problem has resulted in large to very large avalanches (up to 3). Natural avalanche activity will start to taper but human triggered avalanches remain likely.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Storm Slabs
Watch for newly formed and reactive storm slabs within the new snow. Potential remains for slabs to step down to deeper persistent weak layers.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 17th, 2025 4:00PM
