Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 9th, 2023 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada shorton, Avalanche Canada

Email

Carefully assess for wind slabs and buried weak layers before committing to high-consequence terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Recent avalanche observations are limited to a few small dry loose avalanches. Over a week ago, there were several large (size 2 to 3) avalanches releasing on a 30 to 60 cm deep facet layer. While this layer still exists in the snowpack, triggering an avalanche on it is unlikely under the current conditions.

Snowpack Summary

Recent strong southerly wind formed wind slabs in lee terrain features near ridges. Terrain sheltered from the wind has about 10 cm of soft snow. This snow sits above a layer of surface hoar crystals. A weak layer of facets that formed during the arctic outbreak in December is buried 30 to 60 cm deep. Observations suggest it is fairly widespread, but not reactive to triggering under the current conditions.

Weather Summary

Monday night

Cloudy with trace precipitation, 30 to 40 km/h southeast wind, treeline temperature -10 °C.

Tuesday

Cloudy with isolated flurries and trace accumulations of snow, 20 to 30 km/h southeast wind, treeline temperature -6 °C,

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries and trace accumulations of snow, 20 to 30 km/h south wind, treeline temperature -6 °C.

Thursday

Cloudy with scattered flurries and 1 to 3 cm of snow, 30 to 50 km/h southeast wind, treeline temperature -6 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Use caution when approaching steep and rocky terrian.
  • Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Recent strong southerly wind likely formed wind slabs on north-facing terrain. Assess for slabs prior to committing to steep terrain.

Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 10th, 2023 4:00PM

Login