Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 16th, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
Parks Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Mt. Field, Mt. Stephen, and Mt. Dennis avalanche closure zones are CLOSED on Friday, January 17th.
New windslab development in the alpine down into treeline and possibly below with strong to extreme SW wind on Thursday.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Thursday morning, several size 2 wind-triggered slabs and loose dry avalanches were observed in Little Yoho on Mt. Stephen and Mount Field. Avalanche control on Mt Bosworth produced one size 2.5 sliding on the deep persistent layer. Ski hill snow safety teams were finding fresh slabs 10-30 cm thick reactive to ski cutting in alpine lees.
Snowpack Summary
10 cm new Thursday with strong to extreme SW - W winds created new wind slabs at all elevations in terrain exposed to the wind. At treeline, the mid-pack consists of weak facets, over the breaking down October crust and depth hoar at the bottom. An average of 60-100cm of snow can be found at treeline elevations.
Weather Summary
On Friday, we will see cooling temperatures (-14C) and easing winds as arctic air moves in for the weekend. Saturday temperatures will be in the -20C range with sunny skies and light NW wind
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Strong to extreme winds with light flurries created fresh reactive windslabs 10-30 cm thick in alpine lees. Winds were observed to be transporting snow below treeline. It's possible windslabs exist in isolated slopes that are open and exposed to wind below treeline.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
Weak facets exist at the base of the snowpack. Although we haven't seen much avalanche activity on this layer in a while, the snowpack structure is weak and large open slopes at treeline and in the alpine remain suspect.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 17th, 2025 4:00PM
