Register
Get forecast notifications
Create an account to receive email notifications when forecasts are published.
Login
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 19th, 2025–Jan 20th, 2025
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Wind slabs may remain reactive to riders.

Recent avalanches on the buried weak layer bring uncertainty. Stick to low angle, supported terrain, free from overhead hazard.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday a size 2 rider triggered avalanche occurred on an east facing alpine slope. Notably, the avalanche was triggered as a wind slab and stepped down to the buried weak layer. Photo below.

Large avalanches have been observed in several areas, however the timing of them is uncertain - likely they occurred during the storm. Check out this Hankin MIN, and Blunt MIN for more.

Natural activity may have tapered but the snowpack may remain sensitive to human triggering.

Snowpack Summary

20 cm of recent storm snow has been wind affected in exposed areas. A crust exists below 1250 m, with a reportedly poor bond to the recent storm snow.

A weak layer of facets and a crust is buried 50 to 100 cm deep. This has shown reactivity with the new load from wind and snow.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Mostly clear. 20 to 30 km/h westerly ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Monday

Partly cloudy with flurries. 50 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Tuesday

Partly cloudy. 40 to 50 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Wednesday

Cloudy with 5 cm of snow. 40 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Choose low-angled, sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
  • If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
  • Keep in mind that human triggering may persist as natural avalanches taper off.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Expect stiffer and deeper deposits of snow on northeast and southeast facing slopes. Watch for steep convex rollovers, ridgetop entrances, and cross loaded features.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

A widespread crust with facets is buried 50 to 100 cm deep. While this layer exists on all aspects, it's most likely to be triggered at treeline and above. Wind slabs may step down to this layer, producing large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3