Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 21st, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada jpercival, Avalanche Canada

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Look for wind slabs on all aspects in the alpine. Temperatures are expected to remain warm, expect this to increase the sensitivity of wind slabs to human triggering.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

During both Saturday and Sunday, only one report of a slab avalanche was reported with very little detail. Reports on Wednesday and Thursday of last week showed several small explosives triggered and natural storm slab, wind slab and dry loose avalanches (size 1- 1.5).

If you go out in the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

Upper snowpack presents as wind affected in exposed areas. In protected areas, the recent new snow has accumulated over faceted surfaces in many areas. A weak layer of facets above a melt-freeze crust is found down 60 to 100 cm.

The mid and lower snowpack is generally well bonded with a series of crusts and faceted snow.

The average snow depth at treeline is approximately 110 to 190 cm.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Mostly cloudy, 5-10 cm of snow expected, southwest alpine wind 20 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -2 °C.

Monday

Mostly cloudy, 5-10 cm of snow expected, southwest alpine wind 15 to 20 km/h, treeline temperature 0 °C.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy, 5-10 cm of snow expected, southwest alpine wind 10 to 15 km/h, treeline temperature -1 °C.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries, 1-2 cm of snow, southwest alpine wind 10 to 15 km/h, treeline temperature -3 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

10-20 cm of recent new snow and wind switching from northerly to southwest is continuing to build wind slabs over weak faceted snow.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 22nd, 2024 4:00PM

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