Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 25th, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada rgoddard, Avalanche Canada

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Warming temperatures and potential solar input could create small loose wet avalanches on steep low elevation south-aspect terrain.

Remember that avalanches in extreme terrain could produce extreme consequences.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported in our region.

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

Snowpack Summary

At high elevations, wind slabs can be found on a variety of aspects. They overlie a melt-freeze crust that can be found up to 2100 m.

The mid-pack continues to settle and is well consolidated. Facets exist near the base of the snowpack. Total snowpack depth ranges between 85 to 115 cm.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Increasing clouds, no accumulation, wind southwest 15 km/h and windier in the south, treeline temperatures -5 C.

Thursday

Cloudy with sunny periods, trace accumulation to the south, wind southwest 22 km/h, treeline temperatures -4 C with freezing level rising to 1500 m.

Friday

Cloudy, up to 4 cm accumulation in the morning with another 6 cm coming late in the day, wind north 20 km/h.

Saturday

Cloudy with late day clearing, trace accumulation in the morning, wind northeast 20 km/h gusting to 30, treeline temperatures dropping to -20 C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for wind slab hazard before you commit to it.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Watch for unstable snow on specific terrain features, especially when the snow is moist or wet.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Small, thin wind slabs may linger in pockets near ridgelines. Recent shifting winds suggest you may find them on a wide range of aspects but wind slabs will predominantly be found on northeast and southeast aspects.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Thursday will see warming temperatures. If the sun breaks through expect possible small wet loose avalanches on specific steep solar aspects late in the day.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Jan 26th, 2023 4:00PM