Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 6th, 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 trettie, Avalanche Canada

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Assess for wind slab as you gain elevation. Rider triggerable wind slab will likely be found on northelry slopes at treeline and above.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Our field team observed rider triggerable wind slabs in the north of the region at Pine Pass. Check out the MIN.

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

Snowpack Summary

Check out this MIN from our field team.

Up to 30 cm of new snow with southerly winds has formed wind slabs on lee features at upper elevations. This new snow sits over a crust up to 1400 m on all aspects. Surface hoar may be found under this new snow in shelterd areas.

Two additional layers of surface hoar can be found in the top meter of the snowpack at treeline. These layers are generally no longer a concern, the exception being shallow rocky areas at upper treeline.

The current snowpack has considerable variation in structure and depths across the region and is shallow for this time of year.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Partially cloudy with trace amounts of new snow expected, northeast alpine wind 15 to 25 km/h, treeline temperature -15°C.

Sunday

Mostly sunny with trace amounts of new snow expected, west alpine wind 10 to 25 km/h, treeline temperature -10°C.

Monday

A mix of sun and cloud with trace amounts of new snow expected, southwest alpine wind 20 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -8°C.

Tuesday

Cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of new snow expected, southwest alpine wind 20 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -11°C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.
  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Rider triggerable wind slabs can be found on lee features at treeline and above.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 7th, 2024 4:00PM

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