Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 29th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Loose Wet and Persistent Slabs.

Avalanche Canada KT, Avalanche Canada

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The snowpack is warm and moist and will not get a good re-freeze during the forecast period. Travel may be difficult and the likelihood of triggering a persistent slab avalanche has increased. If you choose to go out be cautious in all avalanche terrain, especially on steep slopes.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Numerous avalanches were observed from this week's warming including wet loose, persistent slab, and deep persistent slab avalanches to size 2.

Snowpack Summary

In the alpine, moist snow sits on the surface and may be moist down to weaker layers below. Treeline and below, moist to wet snow exists down to weak layers and even ground in thin areas. The Dec 23 melt freeze crust and facets are down 30-80 cm. An early season basal crust complex exists in most places in the alpine and at treeline. Significantly less snow in the eastern areas of the park, rapidly diminishing in the heat. Snowpack depths between 30 - 150 cm.

Weather Summary

Tues

Mix of sun and cloud. Alpine high of 3, freezing level above ridgetop. Wind SW 70 kph becoming 40. No precipitation.

Wed

Mainly sunny. Alpine high of 5. Freezing level above ridgetop. Wind SW 40-50 kph. No precipitation.

Thurs

Freezing level above ridgetop with alpine high of 4. Wind strong SW. No precipitation.

For more info see: Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.
  • Choose gentle slopes without steep terrain above.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Typically on steeper slopes and may trigger persistent slabs below.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

Wet/moist snow above this layer has increased its sensitivity to triggers and could be initiated as a part of a step down avalanche. Be cautious on steep slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: Feb 1st, 2024 4:00PM

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