Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 31st, 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 and Loose Wet.

Avalanche Canada bchristie, Avalanche Canada

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Start on small slopes, and check for signs of instability before committing to steep or high-consequence terrain.

Riding conditions and avalanche problems will change with elevation.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported on Wednesday before 4 pm.

On Sunday and Monday, numerous small to large (up to size 2) naturally triggered avalanches were reported across the forecast area in steep, north and east-facing alpine terrain.

Snowpack Summary

Expect to find 5-10 cm of soft, dry snow on the surface in sheltered areas of the alpine, shallower and more moist at treeline. A thin frozen crust exists near the surface. Moderate to strong wind has formed reactive wind slabs on north through east-facing terrain, and exposed the crust on windward terrain.

At around 1000 m and below, the snowpack is shallower (around 50 cm) and likely isothermal. If you stand in it, your foot sinks right to the ground.

A variety of previously concerning weak layers buried from early to mid-January can be found 30 - 80 cm below the snow surface. As the temperature cools after warm temperatures and rain, these layers appear to be strengthening.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Cloudy. 2-5 cm of snow expected above 1000 m. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline low around -1 °C.

Thursday

Cloudy. Very light rain expected, snow above 1500 m. Moderate ridgetop wind, shifting from SW to SE. Treeline temperature around 0 °C.

Friday

Mostly cloudy. Very light rain and snow expected as freezing level drops to valley bottom. Strong southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline low around -7 °C.

Saturday

Partly cloudy. No new snow expected. Light to moderate northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -10 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
  • The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

In areas where wind has formed dense pockets of snow below ridge crests, rolls, and in cross-loaded gullies, human-triggered avalanches could be possible. At treeline, this problem is isolated to steep, rocky, alpine-like features.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Use caution when encountering moist or wet snow in steep areas or gullies.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Feb 1st, 2024 4:00PM

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