Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 29th, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Triggering avalanches is possible on alpine slopes due to wind slabs and a buried weak layer.
Summary
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.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind loading may have formed unstable slabs on lee terrain features.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
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
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 30th, 2025 4:00PM
