Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 30th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Wet.
bchristie,
Avalanche Canada
Start on small slopes, and check for signs of instability before committing to steep or high-consequence terrain.
Riding conditions and avalanche problems will change with elevation.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
On Sunday and Monday, numerous small to large (up to size 2) naturally triggered avalanches were reported across the forecast area in steep, north and east-facing alpine terrain.
Looking ahead to Wednesday, we expect that natural avalanches will be less likely, but human-triggered wind slab avalanches will remain likely in wind-loaded features.
Snowpack Summary
Expect to find 5-10 cm of soft, dry snow on the surface in sheltered areas of the alpine and at treeline. Moderate to strong wind has formed reactive wind slabs on north through east-facing terrain, and exposed a thin, frozen crust on windward terrain.
At around 1000 m and below, the snowpack is shallower (around 50 cm) and likely isothermal. If you stand in it, your foot sinks right to the ground.
Two deeper surface hoar layers exist. These layers have become dormant and unlikely to trigger.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Clear, becoming cloudy by the morning. 0-2 cm of snow to near valley bottom. Moderate southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline low around -2 °C.
Wednesday
Cloudy. Light snow in the morning turning to light rain below 1750 m in the afternoon. Strong southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline high around 2 °C.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy. Light rain expected, 3-5 cm of snow above 1500 m. Moderate ridgetop wind, shifting from SW to SE. Treeline temperature around 0 °C.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. Very light rain and snow expected as freezing level drops to valley bottom. Strong southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline low around -7 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
- Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
- The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.
Problems
Wind Slabs
In areas where wind has formed dense pockets of snow below ridge crests, rolls, and in cross-loaded gullies, human-triggered avalanches will be likely.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Use caution when encountering moist or wet snow in steep areas or gullies.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 31st, 2024 4:00PM
