Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 14th, 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
Carefully evaluate your line for slabs before you commit to it. Small wind slabs remain possible on steep slopes.
Minimize exposure to overhead hazards when solar radiation is strong.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported by Tuesday at 4 pm.
The most notable activity in the past week has been large glide slab avalanches. Glide slabs are hard to forecast. If you see a glide crack, simply avoid being under it.
If you are headed into the backcountry please consider making a MIN post with photos and observations from the day. The information is very helpful for forecasters!
Snowpack Summary
On steep solar slopes, a weak melt-freeze crust covers the surface. In sheltered areas up to 15 cm of snow overlies a thin surface crust everywhere except northerly slopes in the alpine. In exposed areas, westerly winds have built wind slabs on lee slopes.
A substantial crust up to 30 cm thick sits 50 to 90 cm deep, well-bonded to surrounding snow. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well consolidated.
Treeline snow depths range from roughly 150 to 220 cm around the Coquihalla and 100 to 150 cm around Manning Park.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Mainly clear skies. 20 to 25 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. An above freezing layer persists between 1700 and 2700 m.
Wednesday
Mainly sunny. 25 to 35 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +2 °C. Freezing level above mountain tops.
Thursday
Mainly cloudy with light flurries. 2 to 8 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level drops to the valley bottom.
Friday
Partly cloudy. 20 to 30 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C. Freezing level at the valley bottom.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Wind slabs are isolated, but may remain reactive.
- Watch for areas of hard wind slab on alpine features.
- Limit exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Isolated wind slabs are slow to heal where they have formed hard slab over a soft facet layer above a crust.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 15th, 2025 4:00PM
