Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 31st, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Wet.
bchristie,
Avalanche Canada
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
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
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Use caution when encountering moist or wet snow in steep areas or gullies.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 1st, 2024 4:00PM
