Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 23rd, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada kbakker, Avalanche Canada

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Crusty conditions prevail at lower elevations. In the search for soft turns, watch out for wind slabs. They may be poorly bonded to the surface below.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A couple of skier-triggered avalanches surprised a ski touring group on Saturday. Both avalanches were reported as size 2 and occurred on a northeast, alpine slopes just below a rocky ridge top.

If you go out in the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

5 to 15 cm of recent snow has fallen over firm snow above 1900 m. In sheltered north facing terrain at treeline and above, this new snow is likely soft and makes for good skiing. Below 1900 m, the snow is covered by a variably breakable crust.

The mid and lower snowpack consists of various crusts and layers of facets or surface hoar. Reports indicate these are not currently a concern.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Cloudy with trace amounts of new snow expected. Alpine wind southwest, 20 to 40 km/h. Freezing level 1500 m.

Wednesday

Mainly cloudy with up to 5 cm new snow expected. Alpine wind south, 20 to 40 km/h. Freezing level 1300 m.

Thursday

Mainly cloudy with trace amounts of new snow expected. Alpine wind southwest, 20 to 40 km/h. Freezing level 1500 m.

Friday

Mainly cloudy with trace amounts of new snow expected. Alpine wind south, 20 to 50 km/h. Freezing level 1500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
  • Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.
  • Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for wind slab hazard before you commit to it.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Ongoing snowfall and southerly wind will likely keep the wind slab problem active. A surface crust has been reported to cover the snow up to 1900 m.

Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Jan 24th, 2024 4:00PM

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