Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 9th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
jleblanc,
Avalanche Canada
Good riding can be found in sheltered terrain where snow hasn't been wind-affected.
Continue avoiding shallow rocky terrain where triggering deeper weak layers is most likely.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported in the region since the weekend. Please continue to post your observations and photos to the Mountain Information Network. It helps strengthen our data gathering.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 10 cm of fresh snow has fallen over the weekend. Previous strong southerly winds have scoured alpine south-facing terrain and affected snow in open treeline features. A layer of surface hoar may still exist under the recent storm snow in specific treeline features.
In sheltered terrain, 40 to 50 cm of low-density snow sits over a crust formed in late December. This crust varies in thickness throughout the terrain and elevation. Small avalanches could potentially run down to this layer, creating larger-than-expected avalanches.
There is a widespread layer of facets and depth hoar at the bottom of the snowpack, which remains a concern for triggering with large loads or on thin spots. Snowpack depths around treeline are about 150 cm deep. The snowpack below treeline is very shallow and faceted.
Weather Summary
A weak frontal band will generate periods of light snow Monday night. Overcast skies and dry conditions are expected by midday Tuesday. A deeper system is expected to push moderate snowfalls into the region late evening on Wednesday.
Monday night
Snow up to 5 cm, southwesterly winds gusting to 40 km/h at ridge tops, freezing level around 1000 m, low of -5C at treeline.
Tuesday
Snow 2-5 cm ending by midday, moderate southerly winds then easing off, freezing levels around 1200 m, high of -2C at treeline.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and clouds, no precipitation, light to moderate southeasterly winds, freezing levels around 1000 m, high of -5C at treeline.
Thursday
Snow 10-15 cm, moderate southerly winds gusting to 50 km/h at ridge tops, freezing levels rising to 1600 m, high of -1C at treeline.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.
- If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
- Avoid thin areas like rock outcroppings where you're most likely to trigger avalanches failing on deep weak layers.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent wind slabs may have developed on specific north-facing features or near ridge lines. Human triggers are most likely on steep, convex and unsupported slopes. Be aware that wind slab avalanches could step down to deeper layers and produce larger-than-expected avalanches.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 10th, 2023 4:00PM
