Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 18th, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
Parks Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Windslabs are the name of the game right now. Avoid alpine and treeline features that have been affected by wind or have been loaded.
Expect another chilly day on Sunday (-20°C). Be prepared for cold temperatures if you are heading out.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Avalanche control near Parkers on Friday (Jan 17) produced wind slab avalanches up to size 2.5. Some of these avalanches stepped down to the Deep Persistent layer. Natural windslab avalanches at treeline and in the alpine have also been observed over the last few days.
Snowpack Summary
10-15 cm of recent storm snow has widespread wind affect from recent strong to extreme winds. The middle of the snowpack is facetted and there is a deep persistent layer at the base of the snowpack consisting of a decomposing melt freeze crust and depth hoar. The snowpack is 70-130 cm in depth at tree line.
Weather Summary
Sunday
Sunny with cloudy periods. Alpine temperature: High -15 °C. Ridge wind northeast: 10-20 km/h.
Monday
Sunny with cloudy periods. Alpine temperature: Low -15 °C, High -11 °C. Ridge wind west: 10 km/h.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud. Alpine temperature: Low -17 °C, High -13 °C. Ridge wind west: 15 km/h gusting to 40 km/h.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
- Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain; avalanches may run surprisingly far.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent strong to extreme winds have built windslabs in the alpine and treeline. Watch for reverse loading from variable wind directions. Avalanches triggered in windslabs may step down to the Deep Persistent Layer.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
A variety of crusts with facets above and below exist at the bottom of the snowpack. These layers are going to be with us for a long time and pose a low probability, high consequence situation if triggered.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 19th, 2025 4:00PM
