Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 11th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
MM,
Avalanche Canada
Variable winds have created fresh wind-slabs on all aspects. Use caution travelling near ride-top and in lee or cross-loaded terrain..
Environment Canada has also issued an extreme cold warning for Rogers Pass due to frigid temps and moderate winds. There is a high risk of frost-bite, so factor that into your trip planning.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
Up to 50 cm of storm snow and moderate S/SW winds trigged a widespread natural cycle Tuesday into Wednesday morning. Avalanches, up to sz 3.0, were reaching into the runout zones and running far where a crust is present.
On Tuesday, a field team on McGill shoulder was able to trigger loose dry avalanches running fast in steep terrain.
This week several human triggered avalanches occurred failing at the base of the new snow, Video Peak and Forever Young.
Snowpack Summary
Moderate S/SW winds have redistributed 40-50cms of recent storm snow. Below this a sun crust is found on solar aspects; firm wind effect in the alpine; and soft facetted snow on sheltered N aspects.
Below 2100m there is a crust down 70-80cm (from Dec 5th/6th).
The Dec 1 surface hoar layer is down 90-120cm and is decomposing. However, it is still reactive in isolated snowpack tests.
Weather Summary
An extremely cold arctic ridge is building over BC and pushing south.
Tonight: clear, light E winds, low -36 °C
Fri: Sunny, light E winds, high -31 °C
Sat: Sunny, light E winds, high -20 °C
Sun: sunny, light E winds, high -18 °C
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
- Be carefull with sluffing in steep terrain, especially above cliffs and terrain traps.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Moderate winds have formed firmer slabs on lee slopes and cross loaded features in the alpine. This problem is most reactive on solar slopes with a buried crust. Easily triggered sluffing should also be expected in steep terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 12th, 2024 4:00PM
