Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 3rd, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada isnowsell, Avalanche Canada

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Consequences could be severe if a persistent weak layer is triggered. Stay disciplined and make conservative terrain choices.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche activity has been reported in the region. However, there have been several recent reports of large human-triggered avalanches in neighboring regions.

Please continue to share any observations or photos on the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

30 to 50 cm of snow continues to settle and bond over top of a weak layer buried just before Christmas. The lower snowpack is generally weak and facetted, with a weak layer buried in November, consisting of large, weak facets near the bottom of the snowpack.

Snowpack depth is roughly 150 cm at treeline.

Weather Summary

Tuesday night

Cloudy with no precipitation. Light south winds. -10 C at treeline.

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud, no precipitation. Light southeast winds. -10 C at treeline.

Thursday

A mix of sun and cloud, with flurries. Light to moderate southeast winds. -5 to -10 C at treeline.

Friday

Cloudy with flurries. Moderate southerly winds. -5 to -10 C at treeline.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid thin areas like rock outcroppings where you're most likely to trigger avalanches failing on deep weak layers.
  • Keep in mind that human triggering potential persists as natural avalanching tapers off.
  • Start with conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

Multiple weak layers persist deep in the snowpack. Two of these layers are the primary concern and have produced large avalanches in neighboring regions. A layer buried in late December is down roughly 30 to 50 cm from the surface and consists of surface hoar, facets and/or a crust. While a layer near the bottom of snowpack buried in November generally consists of large, weak facets.

Although widespread, both layers appear to be most reactive around treeline and lower alpine elevations, in terrain with shallow, variable snow depths.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3.5

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