Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 29th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Wet Slabs and Loose Wet.

Avalanche Canada zryan, Avalanche Canada

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A rain-soaked snowpack will continue to create dangerous avalanche conditions and poor riding quality.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A widespread natural avalanche cycle occurred in the past few days as rain impacted the snowpack. Numerous large (size 2-3) wet slab avalanches have been reported from all aspects and elevations.

If poor riding quality doesn't deter you on Tuesday, keep in mind that human-triggered avalanches remain likely. Avoid overhead exposure, large natural avalanches have the potential to entrain significant mass and run to valley bottom.

Snowpack Summary

Rain has created a moist or wet upper snowpack at all elevations. A weak surface crust may have formed overnight at upper elevations.

Roughly 40 to 50 cm of snow from last week sits over various old surfaces. In some areas, it is slow to bond due to sugary facets.

Near the bottom of the snowpack, there are a series of crusts and facets that are more prominent in shallow areas.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Clear with cloudy periods. Alpine wind southwest 15 to 40 km/h. Treeline temperature drops to -1 °C, freezing level 1800 m.

Tuesday

A mix of sun and cloud with isolated showers. Alpine wind southwest 15 to 40 km/h. Treeline temperature 1 °C, freezing level 2900 m.

Wednesday

Sunny with cloudy periods, no precipitation. Alpine wind light from the southwest. Treeline temperature 1 °C, freezing level 3000 m.

Thursday

A mix of sun and cloud with isolated showers. Alpine wind southwest 10 to 40 km/h. Treeline temperature 1 °C, freezing level 2400 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.
  • Keep in mind that wet avalanches can be destructive due to their high density.
  • The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.

Problems

Wet Slabs

An icon showing Wet Slabs

Wet slab avalanches may continue to occur. Expect the most reactivity during periods of rain or strong sun.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Wet loose avalanche activity can be expected from steep terrain. These avalanches could entrain significant mass and gouge to ground in shallow snowpack areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 30th, 2024 4:00PM

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