Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 13th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
PW,
Avalanche Canada
It's still COLD! Prepare accordingly with enough time, clothing and fuel to complete your tours/climbs enjoyably.
We have seen recent natural activity, a good reminder that human triggering of avalanches is quite possible. Additionally, watch for increasing winds and sluffing out of exposed alpine features.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
Within the last several days we've seen numerous natural avalanches. These were up to size 2.5 on multiple aspects, and some are suspected of sliding on Dec 31 surface hoar, with some stepping down in the alpine to deeper layers. Most were 30-40cm deep, with a few up to ~80cm which stepped down. These were observed from far away and are a reminder that human triggering is very much a possibility.
Snowpack Summary
Mod-strong winds in the last week have formed slabs at treeline and above. 20-40 cm of recent snow over the Dec 31 layer that is comprised of surface hoar in sheltered areas and a spotty sun crust on steep solar slopes at treeline and above.
The mid-pack is supportive and contains two temperature/rain crusts from Dec 22nd and Dec 5th that reach as high as 2350 m.
The base of the snowpack consists of weak facets and depth hoar in most areas.
Treeline snow depths range from 80-130 cm.
Weather Summary
Sunny skies and cold temperatures will continue for the Rockies as the ridge remains in place. Daytime temps. will be between -25 and -30⁰C on Monday. Light to moderate NW winds at ridgetop. Wind chills possibly exceeding -40 at times.
The end of the deep freeze is in sight and Tuesday should bring some reprieve, with a high of -15C and a chance of snow.
For more information, click Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.
- If triggered, storm slabs in-motion may step down to deeper layers and result in very large avalanches.
Problems
Storm Slabs
10 to 40cm of recent snow arrived with moderate to strong SW winds. This snow has formed storm slabs over the Dec 31 layer of surface hoar and sun crust and has been reported as being reactive over the last few days. Variable winds have redistributed snow in unusual directions (gap and outflow winds).
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
The base of the snowpack consists of weak facets and depth hoar, and there has been activity on this layer over the past week. Use caution in steep terrain or planar slopes where failures in these basal facets are more likely to propagate. Especially watch thick to thin areas.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 15th, 2024 4:00PM
