Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 4th, 2025 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada Parks Canada, Avalanche Canada

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Good skiing conditions can be found in areas with sufficient snow coverage, but deeper instabilities remain a concern despite a decrease in natural avalanche activity.

Consider sharing your skiing experiences with a MIN report, or even just a photo - every little helps!

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Nearest neighbors are still observing natural Deep Persistent Slab activity this week, and several explosives-triggered Deep Persistent Slabs (up to size 2) were reported by the ski hill on Wednesday. This serves as a reminder that this problem persists, and triggering full-depth avalanches remains a possibility.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 10cm of new snow has fallen this week with generally very light winds.

The snowpack is mostly made up of facets and ranges in depth from 60 to 120 cm at treeline and above. At the bottom of the snowpack there are multiple early season crusts with facets above and below.

Weather Summary

Sunday

A mix of sun and cloud.

Precipitation: Nil.

Alpine temperature: High -8 °C.

Ridge wind light to 15 km/h.

Freezing level at valley bottom.

Monday

A mix of sun and cloud.

Precipitation: Nil.

Alpine temperature: Low -10 °C, High -7 °C.

Ridge wind light to 15 km/h.

Freezing level at valley bottom.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present in the snowpack.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

A variety of crusts with facets above and below exist at the bottom of the snowpack. These layers are going to be with us for a long time and pose a low probability, high consequence situation if triggered.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Jan 5th, 2025 4:00PM

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