Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 8th, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Be especially cautious as you transition into wind-affected terrain. Buried weak layers may become reactive with the added weight of wind-loaded snow.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Wednesday our field team observed evidence of several wind slab avalanches up to size 2 on east aspects in the alpine. One was noted to have stepped down the persistent weak layer.
Snowpack Summary
Light snowfall continues to be redistributed by west wind. Recent snowfall has been variable throughout the region. By the end of the day Thursday, recent storm totals will vary from 10 to 35 cm.
The recent snow may cover a thin sun crust on south and westerly slopes.
A significant weak layer is buried 40 to 80 cm deep, composed of weak facets overlying a crust. With additional new snow and wind-loading, this layer may become reactive.
The remainder of the snowpack is well-settled and bonded.
Weather Summary
Wednesday night
Cloudy with 2 to 5 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
Thursday
Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 50 to 80 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Friday
Cloudy with 3 to 8 cm of snow. 50 to 70 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.
Saturday
A mix of sun and cloud. 40 to 60 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level valley bottom.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid freshly wind-loaded features, especially near ridge crests, rollovers, and in steep terrain.
- If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
- Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.
Problems
Wind Slabs
New snow and strong ridgetop winds are expected to build wind slabs. Watch for blowing snow and avoid leeward slopes.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
A widespread crust with weak crystals overtop is buried 40-80 cm deep. While this layer exists on all aspects, it's most likely to be triggered on wind-loaded slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 9th, 2025 4:00PM
