Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 23rd, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada TH, Avalanche Canada

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The snowpack is becoming increasingly complex.

Incremental inputs of snow with wind and mild temperatures are prompting the development of slab properties in the upper snowpack.

"Arctic Facets" from the cold snap fall apart easily in steep terrain and a layer of surface hoar or sun crust buried early in January lingers in some areas

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche control Monday on Mt Whymper produced several avalanches to size 2.5 starting at 2700 m and running to the top of the runout zones. These were 20-40 cm wind slabs that ran further than expected in the loose surface snow. Control in the Simpson area produced several size 2 avalanches at 2200m, failing 40 cm down on surface hoar and propagating 50-70 meters wide.

Snowpack Summary

Two weak layers each produce test results in some locations across the region as slab formation is taking place in the upper snowpack. Facets are buried down15cm and a layer of surface hoar sits at about 40cm deep.

The midpack offers some strength and features two crusts that persist as high as 2350m.

The lower part of the snowpack has weak facets and depth hoar and widespread whumphing has been observed in many locations over the last week.

Monday's snow profile from Simpson.

Weather Summary

We should expect flurries throughout the day on Wednesday with strong to extreme winds at higher elevations. Look for temperatures to cool slightly after warmer weather pushed in on Tuesday. Expect freezing levels to return to valley bottom.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
  • If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
  • Use appropriate sluff management techniques.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Warm temps, wind, and fresh snow will continue to promote the development of slab properties in the upper snowpack. Slabs sit on facets down 15 (arctic facets) and surface hoar down 30-40 (Dec 31). Test results and avalanche activity indicate this layer is sensitive and human triggering is likely.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Loose Dry

An icon showing Loose Dry

Dry facets in the upper snowpack have been producing skier-triggered sluffs earlier this week. Evidence of the same problem was observed in KNP, where older loose, facet avalanches had run far down gullies in steep terrain. A buried crust on steep solar slopes may make this problem more sensitive.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

The base of the snowpack consists of weak facets, depth hoar, and the overlying crust in the midpack continues to break down. Use caution in steep terrain, large planar slopes, and thin to thick areas where initiating these slabs would be more likely.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Valid until: Jan 24th, 2024 4:00PM

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