Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 28th, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Stay cautious around cornices and sunny slopes during peak warmth.
Riding will be best when the crust breaks down with warming or on dry snow in shady alpine areas.
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
On Sunday, pinwheeling was observed on steep, sun-exposed slopes, and we suspect small loose wet avalanches likely occurred in these areas as well.
If you are headed into the backcountry please consider submitting a MIN report.
Snowpack Summary
Strong sunshine and warm temperatures have formed a crust on most surfaces, except on north-facing alpine slopes where the snow may remain loose and dry. With daytime warming, the crust will likely soften and melt, improving riding conditions that have been reported as challenging in some areas. However, loose wet avalanches may also become possible during this time. The mid and lower snowpack is dense, well-settled, and currently shows nothing concerning.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Clear skies. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around 5 °C. Freezing level 3000 m.
Wednesday
Sunny with afternoon cloud. 40 to 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around 1 °C. Freezing level starts at 2500 m and drops over the day.
Thursday
Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around -2 °C. Freeing levels remain around 500 - 700 m.
Friday
Cloudy with 10 to 20 cm of snow / moderate to heavy rain. 20 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around -1 °C. Freezing levels 700 - 1200 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.
- Rocks will heat up with daytime warming and may become trigger points for loose wet avalanches.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
- Travel early on sun-exposed slopes before cornices weaken with daytime warming.
Problems
Loose Wet
Loose wet avalanches are most likely on steep, south facing slopes in the afternoon - especially near rocks where warming will be most intense.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 29th, 2025 4:00PM
