Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 3rd, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
bchristie,
Avalanche Canada
Retreat to mellower terrain if you see signs of instability like cracking around your skis, feet, or sled.
Small, reactive wind slabs may not be sticking well to a hard layer underneath.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported before 4 pm on Wednesday.
If you head into the backcountry, please consider submitting observations and/or photos on the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
10-15 cm of settling snow may sit over a frozen crust into the low alpine, and possibly higher. This crust formed around the new year, and it seems to be variable in thickness and strength across the forecast area
Below this crust, a layer of facets or isolated surface hoar is sitting on another crust 50-100 cm below the snow surface. This layer produced surprising avalanches late in December in areas west and south of Pemberton. It seems like it was less active in this forecast area, and in general it seems to be gaining strength.
Overall, the snow depth remains shallow, ranging between 80 and 120 cm, decreasing rapidly below tree line.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy. Trace of snow expected above 1000 m, up to 5cm close to Pemberton. Light southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -3 °C.
Thursday
Cloudy. Light snow expected above 800 m. Light southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -4 °C.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. Light snow expected down to valley bottom. Light to moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -7 °C.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy. 5-10 cm of snow expected down to valley bottom. Light northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -7 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
- Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Small, rider triggerable wind slabs may linger in steep terrain below alpine ridgetops and in cross loaded gullies.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 4th, 2024 4:00PM
