Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 3rd, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs.
Parks Canada,
Avalanche Canada
The wind has had limited affect on the surface snow over the last week. If the wind increases expect windslabs to build quickly.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Reports of numerous natural small loose dry out of steep terrain on Highway 93N and 93S.
Evidence of a large deep avalanche off of Mount Lefroy North East face was observed on Jan 3rd that we believe to be 24-48 hours old.
Lake Louise had limited explosive results during control on the 3rd, some small loose dry.
Sunshine had a couple explosive results in Delirium Dive (size 1.5) in very shallow areas on the deep persistent weak layer.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 25cm of low density snow overlies a 60-80 cm snowpack that is entirely faceted, with weak, facet/crust interfaces near the ground. With cooler temps and a shallow snowpack, the snow is continuing to facet.
Weather Summary
Tonight: Mainly cloudy. Alpine temperature: Low -8 °C. Ridge wind southeast: 10 km/h.
Saturday: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Precipitation: Trace. Alpine temperature: High -8 °C. Ridge wind west: 20 km/h.
Sunday: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Precipitation: Trace. Alpine temperature: Low -10 °C, High -7 °C. Ridge wind west: 20-30 km/h.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid thin areas like rocky outcrops where you're most likely to trigger avalanches on deep weak layers.
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
- Pay attention to the wind; once it starts to blow, sensitive wind slabs are likely to form.
Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
Weak facets and depth hoar near the base of the snowpack. The main concern is where for this problem is where a stiffer slab overlays the weak faceted lower snowpack. This layer is more "sensitive" in very shallow snowpack areas.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 4th, 2025 4:00PM
