Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 23rd, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.
JA,
Avalanche Canada
Continue to be mindful of the deep persistent slab problem and make conservative terrain choices. Incoming storm late on Wednesday lasting through Friday - new snow will be welcome but watch for an increase in danger ratings by Thursday.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No significant avalanches observed or reported.
If you're out in the hills, don't forget to post to the MIN. Every bit of information helps.
Snowpack Summary
2cm of new snow Monday morning along with 5cm from this past week in the Parker Ridge area. Moderate to strong southwesterly winds have redistributed this new snow to lee features in exposed areas. Upper snowpack is comprised of 20-30cm variable density snow sitting on top of the December 17 facet layer. Large facets and depth hoar comprise the bottom portion of the snowpack. Snowpack depths vary from 40-120cm.
Weather Summary
A westerly flow will bring unsettled conditions to the area in the next few days. Tuesday will be a mix of sun and cloud. Moderate westerly winds will decrease to light values with trace amounts of precipitation possible. Temperatures in the Icefields will be seasonal. Wednesday morning will be similar with westerly winds increasing to moderate and strong values. A low pressure system with associated warm front will bring light precipitation Wednesday night through Friday with up to 15mm in the forecast.
Detailed weather forecasts from Avalanche Canada: https://www.avalanche.ca/weather/forecast
Terrain and Travel Advice
- In times of uncertainty conservative terrain choices are our best defense.
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
The bottom of the snow pack is inherently weak with well developed Facets and Depth Hoar. Avalanches initiating in the upper snowpack are likely to step down to this layer and gain significant mass.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Moderate to strong winds from the SW have formed thin wind slabs in leeward and cross-loaded alpine features.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 24th, 2023 4:00PM
