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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 29th, 2025–Jan 30th, 2025
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Triggering avalanches is possible on alpine slopes due to wind slabs and a buried weak layer.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches have been reported since the weekend.

On Sunday a rider triggered a large (size 2.5) slab avalanche on a southeast alpine slope. The slab ranged from 20 to 100 cm deep with wind loading variability. The slab may have released on the persistent weak layer described in the Snowpack Summary.

Snowpack Summary

Surface conditions are highly variable, with small amounts of snow and strong winds forming pockets of wind slabs. Crusts have been reported on south-facing slopes, and surface hoar has been observed at lower elevations.

A weak layer of facets and crust from early December is buried approximately 50 to 100 cm deep. This layer likely contributed to avalanches last weekend but should be less reactive under current conditions, primarily posing a concern on steep rocky slopes.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow. 40 to 70 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Thursday

Sunny. 10 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Friday

Mostly cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 50 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Saturday

Mix of sun and cloud. 30 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -17 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind-affected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
  • Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
  • Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, or recent avalanches.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind loading may have formed unstable slabs on lee terrain features.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

A 50 to 100 cm deep weak layer from early December may be possible to trigger on steep slopes with shallow rocks.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3