Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 17th, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Start with small features before moving into bigger terrain.
Isolated thin wind slabs may linger in alpine features. Evaluate your line for slabs before you commit to it.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported on Thursday.
Evidence of a natural loose wet and glide slab avalanche cycle that occurred on Wednesday continues to be reported.
On Tuesday, a size 1.5 skier-triggered wind slab avalanche was reported on a north aspect at 1900 m. The slab released on a weak layer of surface hoar below. This layer of surface hoar is spotty but may still be preserved in sheltered areas at treeline and in the subalpine.
Snowpack Summary
The snow surface is highly variable. Surface hoar can be found in sheltered features at treeline, a crust exists on south facing slopes and the alpine is generally wind-affected.
A weak layer of surface hoar or facets is found 10 to 25 cm deep. This layer is a concern where wind slabs have formed above it.
A crust is buried 60 to 100 cm deep and may have a layer of surface hoar sitting above it. Recent tests show this layer as unreactive.
The remainder of the mid and lower snowpack is well-settled.
Snow depths at treeline are roughly 100 to 150 cm.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Clear skies. 25 to 45 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Saturday
Mostly sunny. 15 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Sunday
Sunny. 25 to 50 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.
Monday
Sunny. 15 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Wind slabs are isolated, but may remain reactive.
- Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.
- A hard crust on the snow surface will help strengthen the snowpack, but may cause tough travel conditions.
- If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Reports of wind slab avalanche activity are decreasing however where wind slabs overlie a weak layer of facets or surface hoar they may remain reactive to human triggering.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, South West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 18th, 2025 4:00PM
