Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 1st, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Persistent Slabs and Loose Wet.
zryan,
Avalanche Canada
Danger is gradually decreasing with cooling temperatures but continue to use a cautious approach to avalanche terrain.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
The natural avalanche cycle observed on the weekend and earlier in the week due to the warming event has begun to taper with cooling temperatures.
A fatal avalanche involving one snowmobiler occurred in the Hasler riding area last Saturday. The avalanche was triggered in a wind-loaded east-facing chute feature at treeline and ran approximately 250 m. For more details on this incident, see the Fatal Avalanche Incident report.
Snowpack Summary
Moist or crusty snow surfaces exist from recent rain and warm temperatures. In the alpine isolated pockets of wind-transported dry snow exist. At lower elevations the snowpack is isothermal.
Several weak layers in the mid and lower snowpack were producing large slab avalanches during the recent warming event. This activity is expected to taper with cooling temperatures.
In areas east of the Divide the snowpack is shallow and faceted with depths of 60 to 100 cm around treeline.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Mainly cloudy with periods of light rain or snow. Alpine wind south 30 to 50 km/h. Treeline temperature 0 °C, freezing level 1800 m.
Friday
Cloudy with periods of light rain or snow. Alpine wind southwest 40 to 60 km/h. Treeline temperature 0 °C, freezing level 1700 m.
Saturday
Mainly sunny. Alpine wind 15 to 30 km/h from the west. Treeline temperature -7 C.
Sunday
A mix of sun and cloud. Alpine wind 20 to 40 km/h from the northwest. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
- Be aware of the potential for surprisingly large avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.
Problems
Persistent Slabs
The likelihood of avalanches on buried weak layers is decreasing, but we are uncertain how quickly. High-consequence slopes should be approached with caution.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Wet loose avalanches are likely where the upper snowpack is saturated from rain and prolonged elevated freezing levels.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 2nd, 2024 4:00PM
