Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 24th, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada trettie, Avalanche Canada

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Assess surface conditions as you gain elevation. Where dry snow is found, small wind slabs are likely . Where the snow surface is wet, loose avalanches are possible.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Small wet loose avalanches have been reported in the past few days. This type of avalanche activity could continue in steep terrain as we continue to go through a cycle of rising and falling freezing levels.

Snowpack Summary

In the alpine precipitation has been falling as snow and  forming wind slabs on northerly aspects. At treeline and below a crust will likely be found on the surface that may break down throughout the day and become moist.

The mid and lower snowpack contain several crusts that are not concerning. The snowpack remains shallow for this time of year.

Weather Summary

ednesday Night

A mix of cloud and clear skies with 2 cm of new snow expected, south alpine wind 15 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -2°C.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy with around 5 mm of mixed precipitation expected, southwest alpine wind 25 to 50 km/h, freezing level rising to 1700 m.

Friday

A mix of sun and cloud with no new snow expected, south alpine wind 20 to 40 km/h, freezing level rising to 1900 m.

Saturday

Cloudy with 5 mm of rain expected, southwest alpine wind 40 to 60 km/h, freezing level rising to 2300 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.
  • Even a small avalanche can be harmful if it pushes you into an obstacle or a terrain trap.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

New small wind slabs will likely build through the day with continued snow and wind.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

With continued daytime warming and high freezing levels, loose wet avalanches are possible out of steep terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Jan 25th, 2024 4:00PM