Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 3rd, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is Wind Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeHeightened avalanche conditions near ridge top lee features, especially in unsupported or extreme terrain.
Human triggered avalanches are still possible.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
The wind switched to the NE creating an small, isolated natural cycle in the west end of the park on Friday, up to size 2 running to the end of the track.
We have observed a few natural avalanches up to size 2 this week. They occurred in the steep terrain east of Rogers Pass.
Reports on rider triggered sluffing in steep terrain have continued throughout the week.
There are also some great MIN reports that show rider controlled windslabs in steep terrain.
Snowpack Summary
Around 35cm of new snow has fallen over the past week. This new snow has been redistributed by moderate wind which has created pockets of soft slabs in wind prone areas. There is a isolated sun crust buried ~15cm on steep S aspects.
The snowpack is strong with a well settled mid-pack. An interface down 90-120 has been unreactive for weeks. It consists of surface hoar in sheltered locations, and a sun crust on solar aspects.
Weather Summary
Cool temps and light flurries persist Saturday as another weak, low pressure system move through the interior.
Tonight No precip, Alp Low: -6°C, South wind 10 km/hr. Freezing level (FZL) at valley bottom.
Sat Cloudy w/flurries. Alp High: -6°C. Wind: SW 15 km/hr. FZL 1300m.
Sun 5cm, Alp high -6 °C. Wind: SW 15-35km/hr. FZL 1300m
Mon Mix of sun & cloud. Trace precip. Alp high -3 °C. Wind: NW 10-20. FZL 1200m
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for slabs before you commit to it.
- Use appropriate sluff management techniques.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Isolated pockets of wind slab exist near ridgetop and in wind affected areas. Flurries and moderate winds are sustaining this problem. Field teams have observed enough wind transport to make wind slab the primary concern.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 4th, 2025 4:00PM