Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 9th, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Look for areas where the surface snow is soft and avoid areas where it feels dense or "slabby".
Heavy triggers, like icefall, an avalanche or a cornice could produce large natural avalanches.
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
Saturday: A few small (size 1) rider triggered loose natural avalanches and one large (size 2) natural wind slab on north and east aspects were reported.
Friday: A small natural wind slab was was reported on a northeast aspect in the alpine and a large natural (size 2.5 was reported) starting as icefall on a northwest aspect in the alpine.
Thursday: A few small wind slab avalanches on north and east aspects were reported.
Snowpack Summary
25-45 cm of soft surface snow is faceting in sheltered terrain at treeline and below. This covers a layer of surface hoar buried in late January that may be as large as 15 mm in some places. The surface hoar sits on loose, faceted snow in shaded terrain, and a crust on steep slopes facing the sun.
In the alpine, exposed terrain is generally wind-affected, and there is likely no surface hoar included in the late January layer, just facets, old wind-affected surfaces, or a sun crust.
A weak layer of facets from early December is 60 to 120 cm deep.
The base of the snowpack consists of a thick crust with facets or depth hoar in many areas.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Mostly clear. 10 to 20 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -24 °C.
Monday
Mostly sunny. 10 to 20 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -18 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny. 10 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -18 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny. 10 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be aware of the potential for remote triggering and large avalanches due to buried surface hoar.
- Keep in mind that human triggering may persist as natural avalanches taper off.
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
Problems
Persistent Slabs
A weak layer of surface hoar and facets or a crust is 25 to 45 cm deep. This layer may be reactive to human-triggering where a slab has developed above it. Watch for signs of instability.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
The wind has calmed down for now, but cold temperatures may be keeping previously formed wind slabs from bonding to the loose, dry snow below.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 10th, 2025 4:00PM
