Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 5th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada trettie, Avalanche Canada

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Carefully assess and verify conditions. Observations in this region have been limited and we are uncertain of reactivity of weak layers in the mid and lower snowpack.

Summary

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

No significant avalanches have been reported in the region in the past few days.

If you are out in the backcountry please consider filling out a MIN report.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 15 cm of recent snow has likely formed wind slabs at upper elevations. A variety of surfaces are found below this new snow including surface hoar in sheltered terrain and a crust below 1600 m.

The mid-pack contains various noteworthy layers; including two surface hoar layers, one down roughly 20 to 40 cm and another down roughly 60 to 90 cm. Between the two surface hoar layers a crust may exist, primarily at lower elevations.

The current snowpack has considerable variation in structure and depths across the region but is generally facetted and weak.

Weather Summary

Friday Night

Cloudy with up to 5 cm of new snow expected, south alpine wind 25 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -6°C.

Saturday

Cloudy with a few centimeters of new snow expected, south alpine wind 15 to 25 km/h, treeline temperature -7°C.

Sunday

Mostly sunny with no new snow expected, west alpine wind 15 to 25 km/h, treeline temperature -10°C.

Monday

A mix of sun and cloud with trace amounts of new snow expected, west alpine wind 10 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -11°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.
  • Keep in mind that human triggering potential persists as natural avalanching tapers off.
  • Uncertainty is best managed through conservative terrain choices at this time.
  • Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

Buried surface hoar is likely becoming harder to trigger, however, consequences remain high if triggered.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

New snow accompanied by southerly wind may form small rider triggerable wind slabs.

Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Jan 6th, 2024 4:00PM