Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 15th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada isnowsell, Avalanche Canada

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Excellent riding conditions exist in wind-sheltered terrain. Exercise caution around ridge tops and cross-loaded features.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

Several natural and explosive-triggered wind slab avalanches were reported over the weekend. In general, all avalanches occurred in reverse-loaded (south-facing) or cross-loaded alpine terrain features. Mostly between size 1 and 2, with one size 3 observation.

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

Snowpack Summary

Recent north winds have had a significant effect on snow surfaces with notable wind slab development observed on south-facing slopes.

In sheltered regions, there's a possibility of isolated pockets of surface hoar being buried under 30 to 50 cm of recent snow.

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

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Clear with no precipitation, northwest alpine winds 0 to 20 km/h, treeline temperature -4 °C.

Tuesday

Partly cloudy with no precipitation, southwest alpine winds 10 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -6 °C.

Wednesday

Cloudy with 10 to 15 cm of snow, south alpine winds 10 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -9 °C.

Thursday

Partly cloudy with no precipitation, southeast alpine winds 10 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -9 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are the most prevalent in south-facing alpine terrain around ridgetops and cross-loaded features like mid-slope gullies.

Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 16th, 2024 4:00PM

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