Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 18th, 2025 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada Parks Canada, Avalanche Canada

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Glacier.

Wind slabs are losing their energy, but don't let that lure you into complacency.

Slap on the sunscreen and be sure to travel prepared for these colder temps.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A field team conducted explosives testing on steep, northerly treeline features today. Results up to size 1.5 were observed, with minimal propagation.

On Thursday, there were several large (up to size 2) natural avalanches in the steep terrain on the N face of Mt MacDonald. These were triggered by the extreme SW winds (up to 125km/hr!)

Snowpack Summary

Up to 10 cm of new snow came in with Extreme SW winds on Thursday. Another 10cm of low density snow buries these wind slabs.

There is a weak interface (Jan 7th layer) down 30-50cm, comprised of surface hoar (all aspects) and/ or a thin crust on steep S aspects.

Overall the mid and lower snowpack is strong and well settled.

Weather Summary

Temperatures remain cold as northern air persists.

Tonight Clear periods. Alpine low -15°C. Ridge winds 10km/h from the NW.

Sun Mainly sunny. Alp low -16°C, high -15°C. Light NE wind.

Mon Mainly sunny. Alpine high -13°C. Light west wind. Alpine temp inversion.

Tues Mainly cloudy. Alpine high -12°C. Winds from the west at 20km/h gusting to 45.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, or recent avalanches.
  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind-affected terrain.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Extreme winds and light snowfall have built windslabs in exposed areas. Cold temperatures are taking the energy out of these slabs, but they will take a little more time to heal in all locations.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

Up to 60cm of snow sits on a persistent weak layer from January 7th. This weak layer has been found in profiles both at treeline and in the alpine. Test results suggest that propagation is still possible on this layer.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: Jan 19th, 2025 4:00PM

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