Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 12th, 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
North winds continue to form reactive wind slabs in reverse-loading patterns.
Read about managing extreme cold in the backcountry here.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
With strong north winds, expect reactive wind slabs to exist in exposed areas in reverse loading patterns.
Recent reports have been limited. On Thursday a size 2.5 natural wind slab was reported on a south aspect at treeline. Skiers also reported seeing the crown of a size 2 natural avalanche between Zopkios Ridge and Yak Peak.
If you head into the backcountry, please consider submitting a MIN report.
Snowpack Summary
There is a lot of new snow available for transport. Check out this MIN for details. Watch for north winds redistributing this snow into reactive slabs in exposed areas.
50 to 70 cm of recent storm snow was accompanied by southwest switching to northwest winds, building cohesive slabs in lee features. This overlies 20-50 cm of snow over a crust and a well-settled snowpack in the alpine and upper treeline.
Treeline snowpack depths range from 100 to 180 cm. The last few storms have brought winter to the Cascades, and lower-elevation areas may now be at threshold for avalanches.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Clear with no new snow. North alpine winds 30 to 40 km/h. Treeline temperature drops to -33°C.
Saturday
Sunny with no new snow. North alpine winds 10 to 30 km/h. Treeline temperature around -25°C.
Sunday
Increasing high cloud with no new snow. North alpine winds 20 to 40 km/h. Treeline temperature around -25°C.
Monday
Mostly sunny with no new snow. North alpine winds 30 to 50 km/h. Treeline temperature -20°C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
- Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Expect reactive wind slabs have formed from north winds. Winds have been variable so assess for wind slabs on any steep slopes.
Aspects: North East, East, South East, South, South West, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 13th, 2024 4:00PM
