Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 13th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
jpercival,
Avalanche Canada
Recent new snow continues to be redistributed by northerly winds. Cold weather is forecast to warm, but is still a concern. Review this blog for great strategies for managing the cold.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Recent reports in the region indicate naturally occurring slab avalanches have been observed to size 2.5 in alpine terrain.
If you go out in the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Snowpack Summary
Up to 40 cm of recent, low-density snow has both been pressed and redistributed due to wind effect. This recent snow is found sitting atop a variety of old surfaces, including surface hoar, crusts and/or facets.
The mid and lower snowpack is generally weak with several layers of note. Of greatest concern are weak facets and/or depth hoar located at the bottom of the snowpack, particularly in alpine terrain.
Snowpack depths at treeline range from 60 to 150 cm.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Clear with no precipitation, northwest alpine wind 10 to 20 km/h, treeline temperature -28 °C.
Sunday
Sunny with no precipitation, northwest alpine wind 30 to 50 km/h, treeline temperature -18 °C.
MondaySunny with no precipitation, north alpine wind 10 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -16 °C.
TuesdaySunny with no precipitation, north alpine wind 10 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -16 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
- If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
- Be aware of the potential for surprisingly large avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent low-density snow has been redistributed into thin wind slabs in exposed alpine terrain features like ridges and steep rollovers.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
The lower snowpack is characterized by facets and depth hoar near the base of the snowpack in most alpine areas. The likelihood of triggering a deep persistent slab is low, however the consequence of doing so is high.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 14th, 2024 4:00PM
