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Avalanche Forecast

Jan 11th, 2025–Jan 12th, 2025
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Glacier.

Buried surface hoar is known for wide propagations and surprises!

Carefully assess your slope prior to committing.

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.

Avalanche 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: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

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: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2