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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 15th, 2025–Jan 16th, 2025
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Mt. Bosworth avalanche closure zone is CLOSED on Thursday, January 16th.

High elevation winds have been strong to extreme for the last week, so be on the lookout for windslabs if venturing into high, windy spots.

Deep slabs haven't been observed in days, but a weak snowpack persists in shallow areas - ski the thick, avoid the thin.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

One size 1.5 windslab was reported today, 30-50 cm deep on Bow Peak, SE aspect, in the alpine. It looks like it occurred within the past 48 hrs, and was downslope from the ridge crest, perhaps a result of the strong winds loading lower on the lee slope. Otherwise, no new avalanches were reported in the past 2 days.

Snowpack Summary

Last week's 10cm accumulated snow and strong to extreme west winds created slabs in exposed high alpine areas. The recent snow rests on a layer of facets and surface hoar, although we haven't seen many avalanches sliding on this layer yet. The middle and bottom of the snowpack are weak, with depth hoar and facets near the ground. An average of 60-100cm of snow can be found at treeline elevations.

Weather Summary

Thursday, we expect extreme SW winds accompanied by up to 5 cm new snow.

On Friday, we will see cooling temperatures and easing winds as arctic air moves in for the weekend.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent snow and extreme NW to SW wind have developed small slabs in high alpine terrain that is exposed to the wind. These may run further than expected if they pick up facetted snow in steep gullied terrain.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

Weak facets exist at the base of the snowpack. Although we haven't seen much avalanche activity on this layer in a while, the snowpack structure is weak and large open slopes at treeline and in the alpine remain suspect.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5