Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 18th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is high, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Wet.

Avalanche Canada isnowsell, Avalanche Canada

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Dangerous avalanche conditions exist due to heavy snow and rain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche activity has been reported.

However, we anticipate a widespread avalanche cycle to take place Thursday night, into Friday during stormy weather conditions.

Snowpack Summary

New snow continues to accumulate over a variety of wind-affected surfaces, faceted crystals, and surface hoar, all of which could prolong the bonding time between new snow and buried surfaces.

Continued snow or rain and warming temperatures will likely result in an upside-down upper snowpack by the end of the day on Friday.

The mid and lower snowpack is generally settled and well-bonded.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Cloudy with 10 to 20 cm of snow, south alpine winds 30 to 50 km/h, treeline temperature -2 °C.

Friday

Cloudy with 20 to 40 mm of rain at lower elevations and wet snow at higher elevations, south alpine winds 30 to 50 km/h, treeline temperature +2 °C. Freezing levels around 2000 m.

Saturday

Cloudy with trace amounts of rain or wet snow, southwest alpine winds 20 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature +4 °C. Freezing levels around 2200 m.

Sunday

Cloudy with trace amounts of rain or wet snow, south alpine winds 30 to 50 km/h, treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing levels around 1500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
  • Watch for rapidly changing conditions during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
  • Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

New snow continues to accumulate over a potentially weak layer.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Very Likely - Certain

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Heavy rainfall has the potential to saturate the upper snowpack, increasing the risk of wet loose avalanches at lower elevations.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Jan 19th, 2024 4:00PM

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