Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 13th, 2025 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada Avalanche Canada, Avalanche Canada

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Strong wind may cause new slabs to form at all elevations.

Assess the bond in your area.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported on Sunday.

On Saturday a rider triggered a large wind slab and was fully buried against a tree. The victim was dug out very quickly by their party.

A widespread natural avalanche cycle occurred on Friday continuing into Saturday. Small to very large (size 3) storm slabs were reported. Also, one large cornice failure was reported on an east-northeast feature.

Snowpack Summary

Strong to extreme wind will likely pickup any soft snow and transport it far downslope. Watch for slabs lower than normal.

In sheltered areas around 50 cm of snow sits on a variety of layers, including surface hoar, crusts, and sugary facets. Wind slabs may take longer to bond because of these layers.

The middle and lower snowpack is generally strong with no weak layers of concern.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Cloudy. 40 to 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Tuesday

Cloudy with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 50 to 100 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

Wednesday

Cloudy with 10 to 20 cm of snow. 40 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level 1700 m. Treeline temperature -1 °C.

Thursday

Cloudy with 10 to 20 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
  • Sheltered slopes at lower elevations will offer the safest conditions.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Strong wind will build wind slabs throughout the day. They may be further down slope than normal.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 14th, 2025 4:00PM

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