Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 2nd, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low.

CG, Avalanche Canada

Avalanche danger may be low, but a persistent weak layer lies within range for human triggering. Isolated avalanches near Rogers Pass have surprised a few folks recently, so don't turn your brain off!

The snowpack is at record low levels with many hazards above or just below the surface. Allow extra time for your descent and exit.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed yesterday. The weekend saw warm temps trigger a loose, wet avalanche cycle. One of these avalanches stepped down to the Dec 1st surface hoar layer, triggering a large slab avalanche. This is indicative that a large load, or a smaller load in a shallow, faceted zone, can step down to the deep, persistent weak layers in the snowpack.

Snowpack Summary

~5cm of recent snow overlies variable old surfaces: sun crust on solar aspects; windslab in the alpine and exposed tree-line locations. Sheltered N aspects hold soft snow.

Below 2100m there is a strong rain crust down 40-60cm (from Dec 5th/6th).

The Dec 1 surface hoar, down 60-100cm, has seen isolated deep pockets "pop" out in steeper, alpine terrain.

In shallow areas at upper elevations, the base of the snowpack is faceted and unsupportive.

Weather Summary

Light winds, mild temps, and minimal snowfall. No major weather input in the next few days to change the avalanche danger.

Tonight: Mix of moon/cloud, Alp low -6Â°C, light SE winds.

Wed: Cloudy/isolated flurries, light ridge winds, high -4Â°C, 1700m freezing level (FZL) .

Thurs: Cloudy/flurries, 5cm, light SW winds, high -5Â°C, 1300m FZL.

Fri: Flurries, 5cm, Alp high -7Â°C, light SW winds, 1100m FZL

Valid until: Jan 3rd, 2024 4:00PM