Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 14th, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada isnowsell, Avalanche Canada

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Assess for lingering wind slabs at high elevations, particularly in south-facing or cross-loaded terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Several natural and explosive-triggered wind slab avalanches were reported over the weekend. In general, all avalanches occurred in reverse-loaded (south-facing) or cross-loaded alpine terrain features. Mostly between size 1 and 2, with one size 3 observation.

If you head into the backcountry, please consider submitting a MIN report.

Snowpack Summary

Recent north winds have had a significant effect on snow surfaces with notable wind slab development observed on south-facing slopes. In sheltered regions, there's a possibility of isolated pockets of surface hoar being buried under 30 to 50 cm of recent snow.

The mid and lower snowpack consists of a few old crusts and is generally well-settled and well-bonded.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Clear with no precipitation, north alpine winds 10 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -7 °C.

Monday

Sunny with no precipitation, northwest alpine winds 0 to 20 km/h, treeline temperature -5 °C.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy with no precipitation, southwest alpine winds 10 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -5 °C.

Wednesday

Cloudy with 10 to 30 cm of snow, southwest alpine winds 20 to 50 km/h, treeline temperature -7 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Expect slab conditions to change drastically as you move into wind exposed terrain.
  • Watch for areas of hard wind slab on alpine features.
  • If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Slabs are most prevalent at alpine elevations. Be aware wind loading may be found near ridgelines or lower on the slope than usual. Watch for crossloading in unusual features like mid slope gullies.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 15th, 2024 4:00PM

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