Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 3rd, 2024 11:30AM

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

Avalanche Canada shorton, Avalanche Canada

Email

Steady snowfall is coming to the Long Range Mountains! Watch for unstable wind slabs on the steep sides of gullies.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported.

Strong northeast wind could form isolated wind slabs on Sunday, but wind slabs will be larger and more likely on Monday.

Snowpack Summary

New snow is gradually accumulating, with heavier snow on Monday expected to bring the storm totals into the 20 to 40 cm range. Surface conditions will be shaped by northeast winds that are forecast to increase throughout the day on Sunday.

Snow depths in Long Range Mountains average about 80 cm in wind-sheltered areas and are much more variable in wind-exposed areas. The snowpack structure is strong and bonded.

Cornices have been forming along northeast-facing ridges.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Cloudy with 2 to 5 cm of snow, 30 km/h northeast wind, alpine temperature -10 °C.

Sunday

Cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow, 30 to 50 km/h northeast wind increasing to 60 km/h gusts by the evening, alpine temperature -4 °C.

Monday

Cloudy with 15 to 25 cm of snow, 60 to 90 km/h northeast wind, alpine temperature -3 °C.

Tuesday

Gradually clearing skies, no significant precipiation, 20 to 40 km/h northeast wind, alpine temperature dropping to -8 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
  • Fresh wind slabs will likely form throughout the day, diligently watch for changing conditions.
  • Avalanche danger is often elevated in alpine gullies where snow has accumulated.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Northeast wind could form wind slabs form on the steep sides of gullies (see cross-loading in the glossary). These slabs will be small and isolated on Sunday, but potentially larger by Monday.

Aspects: South West, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 6th, 2024 11:30AM

Login