Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 21st, 2024 3:30PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
matt,
Avalanche Canada
Our snowpack is very sensitive to warming these days. Approach any open area, at any elevation with caution. Low angle terrain is key right now.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Nothing new was seen today, but we've had more reports of cracking and whumphing at all elevations/aspects.
Snowpack Summary
Warmer temps promoted settlement in the upper snowpack on Saturday. Windslabs 10-30cm thick are still common places along lee features (E and N aspects) in the alpine and treeline with cracking and whumpfing observed by forecasters while travelling in high treeline and alpine areas common. The windslabs are failing on weak facetted grains that formed during last weeks cold snow. Deeper in the snowpack the Dec 5th crust persists and has been making travel easier. In thinner areas, triggering the weak crystals under the crust is a real possibility so avoid steep thin and variable features in the terrain.
Weather Summary
Light to moderate SW winds tomorrow. Flurries giving a few cm's of snow and increasing temperatures. Daytime high of -2, but likely warmer as Mud Lake crept above the predicted high today.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
- Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.
- In areas where deep persistent slabs may exist, avoid shallow or variable depth snowpacks and unsupported terrain features.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent strong winds have formed windslabs in alpine and treeline areas,
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
This layer is getting getting buried deeper and deeper over time. The weight and amount of new snow is slowly increasing, which will increase the size of any potential avalanches.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 22nd, 2024 4:00PM
