Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 7th, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
As winds increase watch for fresh wind slab development at upper elevations.
Look for sheltered areas where snow is preserved and good quality riding can still be found.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
As of 4 pm on Tuesday, no new avalanches have been reported in the region.
On Monday, avalanche control produced several explosive-triggered storm slab avalanches up to size 2. Notably, avalanches did not step down to the December persistent weak layer.
If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a MIN report!
Snowpack Summary
Moderate westerly winds will redistribute available snow into fresh wind slabs at upper elevations. In sheltered areas, snow surfaces are faceting, creating good quality riding. On steep solar aspects, a thin melt-freeze crust covers the snow surface. Check this MIN from Norn for more details.
Down 50 to 120 cm weak layers of surface hoar or a facet/crust combo persist in the mid-snowpack. This layer is slowly gaining strength.
The lower snowpack is generally strong and well-bonded.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Cloudy with light flurries, 1 to 3 cm. 15 to 30 km/h westerly ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Wednesday
Cloudy with light flurries, 1 to 3 cm. 20 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around -6 °C.
Thursday
Mainly clear skies. 10 to 25 km/h southerly ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around -5 °C.
Friday
Cloudy with light flurries, 5 to 10 cm. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid freshly wind-loaded features, especially near ridge crests, rollovers, and in steep terrain.
- Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.
- Start on smaller terrain features and gather information before committing to bigger terrain.
Problems
Wind Slabs
As west winds increase fresh wind slabs will develope on lee slopes. Wind slabs are most sensitive to triggering when they are newly formed. Look for signs of wind transport as you move through the terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 8th, 2025 4:00PM
