Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 24th, 2022 4:00PM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Wet.

Avalanche Canada ahanna, Avalanche Canada

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Sustained warm temperatures and sun are forecast to continue this week. Loose wet avalanches will become increasingly likely as the surface crust breaks down, especially on steep sun exposed slopes.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

Weather Forecast

The region now sits under a warm ridge of high pressure which is expected to persist through the week bringing high freezing levels and sun.

Monday night: Clear, light NW wind, freezing levels around 2700 m. 

Tuesday: A mix of sun and cloud, light NW wind, freezing level 2500 m. 

Wednesday: Sunny, light NW wind, freezing level 2700 m.

Thursday: Sunny, SW wind building to strong, freezing level 2700 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity.

Observations remain limited. If you head out into the mountains, please share any observations or photos on the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

MIN reports from Saturday (1, 2, 3) describe hard conditions despite warm temperatures and sun. Perhaps by Tuesday we'll see some softening of the thick surface crust that reaches all the way to mountain top. Below this crust, snow is moist down 30-50 cm and several old crusts are now breaking down. The middle and base of the snowpack are well settled and strong, consisting of well bonded snow and various hard melt-freeze crusts. The snowpack has been receding to marginal levels below treeline.

Terrain and Travel

  • As surface loses cohesion due to melting, loose wet avalanches become common in steeper terrain.
  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
  • Avoid terrain traps such as gullies and cliffs where the consequence of any avalanche could be serious.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

The more the surface crust breaks down the more likely wet loose avalanches will become on steep, sun exposed slopes.

Aspects: South East, South, South West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Jan 25th, 2022 4:00PM