Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 16th, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada bchristie, Avalanche Canada

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For the best riding, lower avalanche danger, and more pleasant weather, stick to terrain that is sheltered from the wind.

Wind slabs can currently be found on all aspects.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Monday, a few large natural avalanches were reported in the highway corridor on both the Canadian and American sides of White Pass. These likely occurred with wind loading recent storm snow into lee features.

Wind slabs may continue to be rider triggerable on all aspects on Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 20 cm of recent snow and variable direction, moderate to strong winds will likely have formed wind slab on all aspects and at all elevations.

A layer of surface hoar that formed on Christmas Eve may be found 50 cm deep, but recent observations suggest it has bonded.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Increasing cloud through the night. No new snow expected. Strong northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -11 °C.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy. Trace of new snow expected. Strong to extreme northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature falling to around -18 °C.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy. Light snowfall expected. Strong northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -18 °C.

Friday

Partly cloudy. Light snowfall expected. Strong northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -21 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Avoid slopes that sound hollow or drum-like.
  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Watch for blowing snow forming reactive new wind slabs through the day. With strong wind, slab formation may be further downslope. Variable winds may have formed wind slabs on a variety of aspects in exposed terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 17th, 2024 4:00PM