Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 18th, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada NW, Avalanche Canada

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The deep freeze is finally leaving, bringing sunny skies and pleasant temperatures.

Be cautious as you step outside again, the snowpack has only become weaker with the long cold spell.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Numerous deep persistent slabs up to size 2.5 have been observed in the alpine over the last few days.

Loose dry avalanches up to size 2 in very steep rocky alpine terrain were noted over the past few days. Some are scrubbing to ground.

Saturday

Numerous deep persistent slabs up to size 2.5 have been observed in the alpine over the last few days.

Loose dry avalanches up to size 2 in very steep rocky alpine terrain were noted over the past few days. Some are scrubbing to ground.

Sunday

Numerous deep persistent slabs up to size 2.5 have been observed in the alpine over the last few days.

Loose dry avalanches up to size 2 in very steep rocky alpine terrain were noted over the past few days. Some are scrubbing to ground.

Snowpack Summary

About 10cm of snow fell on Tuesday. Tree line snowpack depth is an average of 45-75cm. There is variable wind effect from previous northerly winds. The snowpack is weak and largely unsupportive.Saturday

About 10cm of snow fell on Tuesday. Tree line snowpack depth is an average of 45-75cm. There is variable wind effect from previous northerly winds. The snowpack is weak and largely unsupportive.

Sunday

About 10cm of snow fell on Tuesday. Tree line snowpack depth is an average of 45-75cm. There is variable wind effect from previous northerly winds. The snowpack is weak and largely unsupportive.

Weather Summary

Friday

A mix of sun and cloud. Precipitation: Nil. Alpine temperature: High -11 °C. Light ridge wind. Freezing level at valley bottom. Alpine temperature inversion.

The Mountain Weather Forecast is available at Avalanche Canada https://www.avalanche.ca/weather/forecast

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Loose avalanches may start small but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.
  • Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

The previous northerly winds have created winds slabs which are decreasing in sensitivity

Aspects: North East, East, South East, South, South West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Dry

An icon showing Loose Dry

A handful of loose dry avalanches have occurred recently with one scrubbing to ground. They are currently limited to specific terrain such as very steep alpine rocky terrain yet enough of a concern if a person is standing below it or gets swept away.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

You must keep this basal layer on your radar as triggering is possible in isolated features, such as steep rocky terrain where you find yourself standing on the surface and not wallowing in facets, that's the problem slab.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Jan 19th, 2024 4:00PM

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