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Avalanche Forecast

Jan 4th, 2024–Jan 5th, 2024
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Kakwa, McGregor, North Rockies, Pine Pass, Renshaw, Robson.

Match terrain to conditions. Avalanches are most likely to be triggered on steep slopes at upper elevations.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported in the region, however there are currently very few field observations.

If you go out in the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

New snow with southerly winds will likely continue to form small wind slabs on lee features at upper elevations. A crust exists on or near the surface on all aspects treeline and below and on steep south aspects in the alpine.

Two layers of surface hoar can be found in the top meter of the snowpack at treeline. These layers are on our mind but are becoming less concerning.

The current snowpack has considerable variation in structure and depths across the region and is shallow for this time of year..

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

A mix of cloud and clear skies with up to 5 cm of new snow expected, southwest alpine wind 20 to 45 km/h, treeline temperature -5°C.

Friday

Mostly cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of new snow expected, southwest alpine wind 20 to 45 km/h, treeline temperature -4°C.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy with trace amounts of new snow expected, west alpine wind 15 to 25 km/h, treeline temperature -8°C.

Sunday

A mix of sun and cloud with trace amounts of new snow expected, south alpine wind 15 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -10°C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Surface hoar distribution is highly variable. Avoid generalizing your observations.
  • Start with conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

Surface hoar layers in the mid pack are still a concern where a significant crust isn't found near the surface.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5

Wind Slabs

Rider triggerable wind slabs can be found on lee features in the alpine.

Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2