Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 18th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada isnowsell, Avalanche Canada

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New snow continues to accumulate and may require additional time to properly bond to the underlying surfaces.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

Numerous skier-triggered, explosive-triggered, and natural storm slab avalanches were reported on Wednesday. In general, reported avalanches occurred at alpine elevations and on a variety of aspects, up to size 2.

Widespread avalanche activity would lead us to believe that the new snow is poorly bonded to underlying surfaces.

If you head into the backcountry, please consider submitting a MIN report.

Snowpack Summary

Variable alpine winds have redistributed surface snow at higher elevations. New snow has buried a variety of old wind-affected surfaces, along with widespread faceted crystals, which will likely prolong the bonding time between new snow and the surfaces below.

The mid and lower snowpack consists of various old crusts and is generally well-settled and well-bonded.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Cloudy with 2 to 6 cm of snow, south alpine winds 20 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -5 °C.

Friday

Cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of snow, southwest alpine winds 20 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -2 °C.

Saturday

Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow and a chance of rain at lower elevations, 20 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing levels up to 2000 m in most areas.

Sunday

Cloudy with trace snow amounts, south alpine winds 20 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -2 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
  • Carefully monitor the bond between the new snow and old surface.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

New snow continues to accumulate overtop widespread wind effected surfaces and faceted crystals.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 19th, 2024 4:00PM