Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 22nd, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is Wind Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeWind-sheltered terrain below treeline will have the lowest hazard and softest snow for riding.
Use caution when entering wind-affected terrain.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Tuesday, north of Clearwater, a rider triggered a small (size 1) wind slab on a steep southeast-facing alpine slope.
Reports have been limited, share your observations to the Mountain Information Network!
Snowpack Summary
5 to 15 cm of recent snow may be sitting on a crust that exists up to 1850 m in the Wells area. This new snow is likely being redistributed in exposed terrain. An additional 5 to 10 cm is expected to fall on Thursday.
A layer of surface hoar and/or sugary facets may be found sitting around 20 to 40 cm below the snow surface. This layer is most concerning above 1800 m where there is no crust covering it. Additionally, wind slabs forming over this layer in the alpine may be more reactive.
The middle and lower snowpack is generally strong with no weak layers of concern.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Cloudy with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Thursday
Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Friday
Mostly cloudy with 0 to 1 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.
Saturday
Sunny. 10 to 15km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.
- Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
- Pay attention to the wind; once it starts to blow, sensitive wind slabs are likely to form.
Problems
Wind Slabs
New snow combined with recent shifting wind has created wind slabs on various aspects at upper elevations.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 23rd, 2025 4:00PM