Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 3rd, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada TJ, Avalanche Canada

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A few flurries are unlikely to change the avalanche hazard. Continue to watch for the lurking deep persistent problem we continue to see sporadic avalanche activity on.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

A size 2 avalanche was noted on Tuesday on Mt Athabasca's North Glacier below the ramp. The avalanche ran to glacier ice likely on facets.

Snowpack Summary

Trace of snow is expected througout the region. Extensive previous wind effect throughout exposed terrain. Sheltered areas have an average snow depth of ~45-65 cm. The snowpack continues to facet.

Weather Summary

Thursday

Cloudy with scattered flurries.

Accumulation: 5 cm.

Alpine temperature: High -6 °C.

Ridge wind southwest: 15-35 km/h.

Friday

Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries.

Precipitation: Trace.

Alpine temperature: Low -14 °C, High -8 °C.

Ridge wind southwest: 15 km/h gusting to 40 km/h.

The Mountain Weather Forecast is available at Avalanche Canada https://www.avalanche.ca/weather/forecast

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Use caution when approaching steep and rocky terrian.
  • Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

You must keep this basal layer on your radar as triggering is possible in some features, like approaching or moving between pitches on ice climbs. Be cautious in steep terrain if you find yourself standing on the surface and not wallowing in facets, that's the problem slab.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

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