Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 14th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
ejones,
Avalanche Canada
Strong winds built wind slabs at upper elevations that may remain reactive to human triggering.
Sheltered, lower-elevation terrain will provide the best riding!
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported, although reports have been limited.
We did hear the ice has been nice!
Wind slabs may still be reactive to human triggering in wind-loaded features at upper elevations.
Check out this MIN report for recent conditions near Croteau Lake.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 90 cm of previous snow has settled and is starting to break down with the cold temperatures.
On Mount Cokely, reports are of a breakable wind crust on the surface all the way to ridgetop.
The storm last week that brought the snow was accompanied by strong northwest winds, so you may find lingering pockets of dense and deep wind slab in wind-exposed, lee terrain.
The remainder of the snowpack is strong, with numerous hard melt-freeze crusts.
Treeline snow depth ranges from 100 to 180 cm. Snow depth diminishes rapidly at low elevations where there has been more rainfall.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
A few clouds with no new snow, north alpine winds 10 to 30 km/h, treeline temperatures around -10 °C.
Monday
Mostly sunny with no new snow, north alpine winds 10 to 15 km/h, treeline temperatures -4 °C.
Tuesday
Increasing cloud with snow beginning late in the day, south alpine winds 20 to 40 km/h, treeline temperatures -4 °C.
Wednesday
Cloudy with 10 to 20 cm of new snow, south alpine winds 60 to 70 km/h, treeline temperatures -3 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Avoid lee and cross loaded slopes in the alpine.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Variable winds in exposed areas mean that wind slabs are possible on a variety of aspects. Watch for cross-loading in unusual features like mid-slope gullies and rollovers due to previous winds.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 15th, 2024 4:00PM
