Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 29th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet, Wet Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
isnowsell,
Avalanche Canada
The upper snowpack has been saturated and weakened by recent rain. Avoid high-consequence avalanche terrain.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Widespread natural, loose wet avalanche activity was reported on Sunday at all elevations, up to size 1.5. One natural, size 3, wet slab avalanche was reported on Sunday in alpine terrain.
Two separate natural avalanches were observed on Sunday failing on layers deep within the snowpack. They both occurred in north-facing alpine terrain. One was a size 2.5, while the other was a size 3.
Snowpack Summary
Rainfall has saturated the upper snowpack at all elevations.
The mid and lower snowpack consists of various crusts and layers of facets or surface hoar. These layers deeper in the snowpack are more concerning with the warm temperatures and increased load from rain.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Cloudy with 20 to 30 mm of rain or wet snow, south alpine winds 50 to 80 km/h, freezing levels around 2200 m.
Tuesday
Cloudy with no precipitation, south alpine winds 20 to 50 km/h, freezing levels around 2200 m.
Wednesday
Cloudy with trace amounts of rain or wet snow, south alpine winds 30 to 60 km/h, freezing levels around 2200 m.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy with 0 to 5 cm of snow, south alpine winds 10 to 30 km/h, freezing levels around 1600 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
- Avoid areas with overhead hazard.
- Avoid steep convex slopes.
- Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.
Problems
Loose Wet
The upper snowpack is moist and continues to loss strength with above-freezing temperatures.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wet Slabs
Rainfall has added a significant load to the upper snowpack. This is of particular concern in areas where a heavy, wet slab has formed over an old crust.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
Warm temperatures and rain may reawaken various weak layers deep within the snowpack.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 30th, 2024 4:00PM
