Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 2nd, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low.

Avalanche Canada cgarritty, Avalanche Canada

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The formation of strong surface crusts has effectively put a lid on avalanche concerns in the region. Expect rugged travel conditions.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

A helicopter flight on Wednesday allowed for wider observation of the natural wet avalanche cycle that occurred in the region over the few days prior. Avalanches up to size 2.5 (large) were observed on all aspects and all elevations, with larger slides running surprisingly far given the low snow coverage in many runout zones.

Snowpack Summary

The upper snowpack has been heavily saturated by recent rain. Moist or wet snow now extends down roughly 30 cm from the surface and a surface crust has begun to form. This crust will extend to lower elevations and become increasingly thick and supportive in the coming days.

The mid and lower snowpack contains several old crusts but remain generally well-bonded and strong.

Snow depths decreased significantly as a result of the rain, particularly below treeline where many areas are again below threshold depth for avalanches. Where coverage remains, it has become patchy and disconnected at all elevations and aspects.

Weather Summary

Friday night

Cloudy with isolated flurries. Southwest alpine winds 20 km/h.

Saturday

Cloudy with isolated flurries. Northeast alpine winds 10-15 km/h. Treeline temperature -1°C with freezing level around 1400 m.

Sunday

Cloudy with isolated flurries. Northeast alpine winds 20-30 km/h. Treeline temperature -4 with freezing level around 1200 m.

Monday

Cloudy with isolated flurries. Total accumulations from the past 3 days around 5 cm. Northeast or southeast alpine winds 25-35 km/h. Treeline temperature -2 with freezing levels around 1300 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Valid until: Feb 3rd, 2024 4:00PM