Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 9th, 2023 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs and Persistent Slabs.

Avalanche Canada isnowsell, Avalanche Canada

Email

While the likelihood of triggering a deep persistent layer may be decreasing, it is very difficult to predict where you will or will not trigger a large avalanche.

Continue to take a conservative approach while traveling in avalanche terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No significant avalanche activity has been reported in the last couple of days.

Please continue to share any observations or photos on the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

The upper snowpack continues to settle and bond with mild temperatures. The mid and lower snowpack is generally weak and faceted, with a number of weak layers. Of significant concern is a layer down 30 to 50 cm from the surface consisting of a crust, facets, and/or surface hoar. And a layer of large facets and a crust down roughly 50 to 110 cm from the surface. The snow below this deeper weak layer is unconsolidated and weak.

Snowpack depths remain highly variable, ranging from 60 to 150 cm at treeline.

Weather Summary

Monday night

Cloudy with flurries, 0 to 2 cm. Light southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures -5 to -10 C.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy, with no precipitation. Light southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures -5 to -10 C.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny, with no precipitation. Light southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures -5 to -10 C.

Thursday

Cloudy with flurries, 0 to 2 cm. Light southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures -5 to -10 C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Uncertainty is best managed through conservative terrain choices at this time.
  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
  • Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present and have produced recent large avalanches.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

A weak layer near the base of the snowpack, buried in November, remains a concern despite lack of recent avalanche activity. Human triggering of this layer remains possible, especially in shallow areas with variable snow depths.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3.5

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

A layer of surface hoar, facets and/or a crust may be found around 40 to 70 cm deep, which is a prime depth for human triggering. Of more concern at the treeline elevations and below.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Jan 10th, 2023 4:00PM