Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 11th, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Storm Slabs.
Parks Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Buried surface hoar is known for wide propagations and surprises!
Carefully assess your slope prior to committing.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Numerous natural avalanches were observed on Friday into early Saturday morning, caused by new snow and southerly wind. These averaged size 2-3 and were running far into the runouts.
On Thursday, a few natural wind slabs & dry loose avalanches were observed up to size 2.5 from steep alpine terrain in the highway corridor.
Snowpack Summary
We've received ~50cm of new snow since Jan 7th. This new snow buries a weak interface, which consists of widespread surface hoar on all aspects into the high alpine, and a thin suncrust on steep S to W aspects. Moderate southerly winds have redistributed this new snow into wind exposed terrain.
Overall the mid and lower snowpack is strong and well settled.
Weather Summary
High pressure builds, deflecting storms north.
Tonight Mainly cloudy. Alpine low -2°C. Light NW wind. Freezing level (FZL) 500m
Sun Cloudy w/sunny periods. Alpine high -11 °C. Light west wind. FZL 600m.
Mon Mix of sun & cloud. Alpine high -5 °C. Light west winds. FZL 900m. Alpine temperature inversion
Tues Mix of sun & cloud. Alpine high -1 °C. Moderate W winds. FZL 1400m. Alpine temperature inversion
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, or recent avalanches.
- Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Moderate southerly winds and 50cm of new snow this week continue to form fresh wind slabs that sit on a weak layer comprised of surface hoar and/ or a crust.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Storm Slabs
Up to 50cm of new snow this week is settling into a slab, even where sheltered from the wind. Though the natural cycle has tapered off, human triggering may still be likely.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 12th, 2025 4:00PM
