Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 25th, 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 and Loose Wet.

Avalanche Canada trettie, Avalanche Canada

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Carefully assess steep lines for wind slab. The best riding will likely be found in sheltered treeline terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported but observation are limited.

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

Snowpack Summary

Up to 20 cm of recent storm snow has been redistributed in to wind slabs by southerly winds in the alpine and treeline. This new snow rests over a crust on all aspects below 1800 m. The best riding will be found in sheltered treeline terrain.

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

Thursday Night

Mostly cloudy with up to 5 cm of new snow expected, south alpine wind 30 to 50 km/h, freezing level around 1200 m.

Friday

Mostly cloudy with a few centimeters of new snow expected, southwest alpine wind 30 to 50 km/h, freezing level rising to 1900 m.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy with light rain expected, south alpine wind 40 to 70 km/h, freezing level rising to 2200 m.

Sunday

Cloudy with up to 10 mm of rain expected, south alpine wind 50 to 70 km/h, freezing level rising  to 2400 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.
  • Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Ongoing snowfall and southerly wind will likely keep the wind slab problem active. These slabs will be more reactive where they overlie a crust.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

As the freezing level rises and recent snow over a crust becomes moist , wet loose avalanches will become possible.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Jan 26th, 2024 4:00PM

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