Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 5th, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada jsmith, Avalanche Canada

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Recent north wind may have formed wind slabs on lee features in the alpine.

Watch for recently formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

Explosive control work near Whistler on Monday produced small (size 1.5) cornice failures.

Snowpack Summary

Recent north wind may have formed wind slabs on lee features in the alpine.

Above 1900 m, 10 - 40 cm of recent snow sits on a supportive crust.

Below 1900 m, recent snow amounts taper quickly and the crust increases in thickness.

Where snow still exists below treeline, it is isothermal and travel is very challenging.

Weather Summary

Monday night

Partly cloudy, north wind 10 km/h, treeline temperature -3 C, freezing level valley bottom.

Tuesday

Sunny, west wind 20 km/h, treeline temperature -3 C, freezing level 1200 m.

Wednesday

Cloudy with 3 - 5 cm snow, southwest wind 10 km/h, treeline temperature -6 C, freezing level 800 m.

Thursday

Mix of sun and cloud, southwest wind 10 km/h, treeline temperature -6 C, freezing level 800m.

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.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Recent north wind may have formed wind slabs on lee features in the alpine.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 6th, 2024 4:00PM

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