Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 26th, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada lcrawley, Avalanche Canada

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As you move up to treeline and above, watch for wind-loaded pockets that could be rider triggerable.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

On Friday, there was one large natural (size 2) and several small explosive-triggered storm slab avalanches reported near Fernie.

Several large natural storm slab avalanches were reported in the Lizard Range on Wednesday and Thursday.

Numerous natural and explosive-triggered storm slab avalanches were reported on Monday and Tuesday. These avalanches occurred on various aspects and elevations, size 1 to 2.5. Avalanche depths have been roughly 20 to 30 cm.

Snowpack Summary

Expect a thin surface crust and moist snow below 1600 m on all aspects.

Roughly 40 to 50 cm of snow from the past week sits over various old surfaces. In some areas, it is slow to bond due to sugary facets.

Near the bottom of the snowpack, there are a series of crusts and facets that are more prominent in shallow areas.

Weather Summary

Friday Night

Partly cloudy with a trace of snow, southwest alpine wind 20 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -4 °C.

Saturday

Cloudy with a trace of snow, southwest alpine wind 40 to 60 km/h, treeline temperature -1 °C, freezing level 1500 m.

Sunday

Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow or rain, southwest alpine wind 50 to 70 km/h, treeline temperature 4 °C, freezing level 2250 m.

Monday

A mix of sun and cloud with a trace of snow or rain, southwest alpine wind 30 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature 4 °C, freezing level 3100 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.
  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Avoid slopes that have been loaded by wind-transported snow.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 27th, 2024 4:00PM