Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 30th, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
The incoming storm is driving the avalanche danger. Reactive storm slabs will build throughout the day.
It's time to step back. Check out the new Forecaster Blog "Shifting your Mindset"
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Wednesday, a natural cornice fall (size 2.5) was reported. It was a couple of days old and scrubbed to the ground. It did not propagate the slope below.
With new snow and strong wind forecast, natural and human-triggered avalanches are likely on Friday.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 20 cm of snow is expected to fall by Friday afternoon. The new snow will likley have a poor bond to the plethora of old snow surfaces. These consist of a melt-freeze crust on previously sun-exposed slopes, surface hoar and/or facets on shaded slopes, and wind-affected surfaces in exposed terrain at higher elevations.
A layer of facets and/or surface hoar buried in early December may be found down 50-100 cm, or as shallow as 30 cm around Invermere. Recently this layer has not been a significant problem but should be kept on your radar with additional load from new snow and wind.
The base of the snowpack consists of a thick crust and facets or depth hoar in many areas.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Cloudy with snow 5 to 10 cm. 15 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Friday
Cloudy with snow 5 to 8 cm. 15 gusting to 45 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.
Saturday
Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. 15 gusting to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Sunday
Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
Problems
Storm Slabs
The new snow will have a poor bond to the underlying snow surfaces and human triggering is likely. Northeast aspects will likely see deeper slabs with wind loading.
Dry loose avalanches are likely from steep terrain features.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 31st, 2025 4:00PM
