Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 15th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Persistent Slabs, Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
trettie,
Avalanche Canada
Continue to make conservative terrain choices and consider the consequences of a chosen slope avalanching. There is variability in the snowpack throughout the region but what is consistent is that the snowpack is shallower and weaker than average.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Saturday Several natural size 2 wind slab avalanches were observed. These avalanches occurred on north through east aspects in the alpine, they released on the surface hoar layer from early January.
In addition to these wind slab avalanches a skier triggered a size 2.5 avalanche. This avalanche ran on the facets near the bottom of the snow pack. It was in the alpine on a low angle slope. The slab was a meter deep. Check out the MIN for more details.
Please continue to share any observations or photos on the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
Wind slabs can likely be found on exposed treeline and alpine terrain features on west, north and east facing slopes. Freezing levels have been variable throughout the region. A crust could be found up to 2000m. Up to 15cm of recent storm snow exists at treeline and above.
There are 2 concerning weak layers in the top meter of the snowpack. The first is a layer of surface hoar from early January and the second is a layer of surface hoar, facets and a crust from December. Both these layers are most concerning at treeline and above. There is also a layer of large facets at the bottom of the snowpack that continues to produce avalanches and will likely persist for a prolonged period of time.
In General the snowpack is shallow and weak.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Cloudy with flurries bringing trace amounts of new snow. Light southerly winds and a low of -8 at 2000m.
Monday
Mostly cloudy with the possibility of light flurries bringing trace amounts of new snow. Light southwest winds and a high of -5 at 2000m.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy with the no new snow expected. Light westerly wind and a high of -6 at 2000m.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud with no new snow expected. Light westerly winds and a high of -9 at 2000m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Uncertainty is best managed through conservative terrain choices at this time.
- Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present and have produced recent large avalanches.
Problems
Persistent Slabs
There are 2 concerning weak layers in the top meter of the snowpack. The first is a layer of surface hoar down 20 to 40cm buried in early January.
The second is a layer of surface hoar, facets and/or a crust from December. This layer can can be found down 40 to 70cm.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs will likely still be reactive to rider traffic on west,north and east aspects.
Be aware that wind slabs can step down to deeper layers.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
A weak layer near the base of the snowpack, buried in November, remains a concern. Human triggering of this layer remains possible, especially in shallow areas with variable snow depths.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 16th, 2023 4:00PM
