Avalanche forecast

Sasquatch

Jan 7 – 8, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Fresh snow may not bond well to the crust below. And also just barely cover lower elevation hazards.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Strong southwest winds have impacted the recent 30 cm of fresh snow. As winds ease, remain suspicious when transitioning into open and wind-affected areas. Lower elevations may still be below the threshold for avalanches

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
  • Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.
  • Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported, however, two recent MIN reports (Flatiron, Tempest) discuss heavy wind affect around the Coq summit.

If you head into the backcountry by any method of travel, please consider submitting observations and/or photos on the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

10-20 cm of snow accumulated at upper elevations through Saturday, and southwest winds formed slabs in open and lee features. Up to 30 cm low-density snow covers a settling snowpack containing several melt-freeze crusts.

Snowpack depths range from 80-140 cm and decrease rapidly at lower elevations with early-season hazards prevalent at 1400 m and below.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Clearing skies with no precipitation. Northwest ridgetop wind decreasing to 15-25 km/h. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Sunday

Mostly sunny with no precipitation. Light northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Monday

Cloudy with light flurries. Increasing southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Tuesday

Snow, 20-50 cm starting late Monday. Strong southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Regions covered