Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 7th, 2023–Jan 8th, 2023

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

Regions: Bull, Elkford East, Elkford West, South Rockies, St. Mary.

Human-triggered deep slab avalanches remain possible. Maintain a disciplined approach and avoid high-consequence terrain.

Read more about this winter's widespread persistent weak layers in our recent Forecasters Blog

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported in the region. However, the November weak layer remains active in snowpack testing, producing spooky results.

Please continue to share any observations or photos on the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

The upper 30 to 50 cm of generally low-density snow is settling with mild temperatures. This sits over a generally weak and faceted mid and lower snowpack. A layer buried in November consisting of facets, surface hoar, and/or a crust is near the base of the snowpack.

Treeline snow depths are roughly 140 to 160 cm.

Weather Summary

Saturday night

Mostly cloudy, with isolated flurries and trace amounts of snow. Light southerly winds. Treeline temperatures -5 to -10 C.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy, with isolated flurries and trace amounts of snow. Light southerly winds. Treeline temperatures 0 to -5 C. Freezing levels up to 1000 m in the west of the region.

Monday

Mostly cloudy with flurries, and trace amounts of snow. Light to moderate southerly winds. Treeline temperatures -5 to -10 C. Freezing levels up to 1000 m in the west of the region.

Tuesday

Mix of sun and cloud, no precipitation. Light southerly winds. Treeline temperatures -5 to -10 C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
Don't let the desire for deep powder pull you into high consequence terrain.

Avalanche Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

A weak layer near the base of the snowpack remains a concern despite lack of recent avalanche activity. Human triggering of this layer remains possible, especially in shallow areas with variable snow depths.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3