Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 16th, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada MW, Avalanche Canada

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This forecasting sub-region has received less snow than the Icefields Parkway leading to a slightly lower danger rating for this zone in the alpine.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed over the weekend on Maligne Lake road.

If you're out in the hills, don't forget to post to the MIN. Every bit of information helps!

Snowpack Summary

Maligne valley received a trace of snow and overall remains unsupportive with less depth than the Icefields. There is a crust below 1800m. A layer of surface hoar and facets is down 20-40cm in sheltered areas. Large facets and depth hoar comprise the bottom portion of the snowpack.

Weather Summary

Tuesday - Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries.

Precipitation: Trace.

Alpine temperature: High -9 °C.

Ridge wind southwest: 15 km/h.

Freezing level at valley bottom.

Wednesday - Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries.

Precipitation: Trace.

Alpine temperature: Low -11 °C, High -9 °C.

Ridge wind southwest: 10 km/h.

Freezing level at valley bottom.

Thursday - A mix of sun and cloud.

Precipitation: Nil.

Alpine temperature: Low -14 °C, High -10 °C.

Ridge wind west: 10 km/h.

Freezing level at valley bottom.

Detailed weather forecasts from Avalanche Canada: https://www.avalanche.ca/weather/forecast

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.
  • Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

The bottom of the snow pack is inherently weak with well developed Facets and Depth Hoar. Avalanches initiating in the upper snowpack are likely to step down to this layer and gain significant mass.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 17th, 2023 4:00PM

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