Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 19th, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada lholtzman, Avalanche Canada

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Exposed terrain has been heavily wind hammered, but there remain pockets of windslab that could be human triggered. Find sheltered terrain for the best snow.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Reports are limited, but our field team reported one size 1.5 naturally triggered windslab avalanche that they suspect failed Wednesday during a period of intense wind loading.

Snowpack Summary

Moderate to strong winds continue to form wind slabs on all aspects and at all elevations. Wind slabs are especially prevalent on south facing alpine terrain. In isolated areas sheltered from the wind, you may find up to 10 cm of soft snow on the surface.

The middle of the snowpack is settled and strong.

Weather Summary

Friday Night

Clear, no new snow expected, northeast alpine wind up to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -20 °C.

Saturday

Mix of sun and cloud with increasing cloud in the afternoon, no new snow, northeast alpine wind up to 20 km/h, treeline temperature around -20 °C.

Sunday

Cloudy, up to 3 cm of new snow overnight and another 2 cm through the day, southerly alpine winds up to 20 km/h, treeline temperature -20 °C.

Monday

Cloudy, trace of new snow overnight and up to 5 cm through the day, south alpine wind up to 50 km/h, treeline temperature -18 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
  • Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Variable winds have formed wind slabs on all aspects in exposed terrain. Due to recent strong wind, slab formation may be partway down a slope.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 20th, 2024 4:00PM

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