Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 21st, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada jpercival, Avalanche Canada

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***UPDATED 6:25***

In areas where snowfall amounts exceed 20 cm expect a new storm slab that is reactive to human triggering.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday numerous reports of small avalanches (size 1.5) and noted settlement and whumpfs during field travel. On Friday, both natural and explosive controlled large (size 2) wind slab avalanches have been reported at elevations above 2200 m and on north aspect terrain. On Thursday extensive explosive control at a number of professional operations, produced large both wind and storm slab avalanches up to size (2.5).

Snowpack Summary

As temperatures have increased 10-25 cm of recent snow has settled and in some areas is becoming unconsolidated. Below, you will find weak, and faceted snow in many areas and wind-affected surfaces in open areas.

A layer of surface hoar is found down 70 cm in sheltered, north-facing terrain. This layer appears as a sun crust on south-facing slopes. Expect this layer to be reactive to human triggering.

A thick crust deep in the snowpack largely protects any weak layers further down in the snowpack from being triggered.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Mainly cloudy. 5 to 15 cm of snow expected. Southwest ridgetop wind 10 to 20 km/h. Treeline temperature around -2 °C.

Monday

Mainly cloudy. 2 to 5 cm of snow expected. Southeast ridgetop wind 10 to 25 km/h. Treeline temperature around -2 °C.

Tuesday

Mainly cloudy. 1 to 2 cm of snow expected. Southwest ridgetop wind 10 to 15 km/h. Treeline temperature around 1 °C.

Wednesday

Mainly cloudy. 1 to 2 cm of snow expected. Southeast ridgetop wind 15 to 20 km/h. Treeline temperature around 1 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
  • Investigate the bond of the recent snow

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

10-20 cm of recent new snow and winds switching direction are promoting fresh wind slab development over previously wind affected surfaces and in some places weak facetted snow.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 22nd, 2024 4:00PM

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