Avalanche forecast

Sasquatch

Jan 19 – 20, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate

Highlights

Approach wind-loaded terrain with caution at higher elevations. At lower elevations, anticipate snow to become moist, or wet by the end of the day.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Recent low-density storm snow continues to be redistributed by variable alpine winds.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    With rising temperatures and a chance of rain, be on the lookout for wet loose avalanche activity increasing throughout the afternoon.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
  • Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
  • Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Numerous storm and wind slab avalanches were reported on Wednesday, during stormy conditions. Avalanches occurred on various elevations and aspects and were a mix of natural and skier-triggered up to size 2.

If you head into the backcountry, please consider submitting a MIN report.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 30 cm of recent, low-density snow has been redistributed by variable alpine winds. Below the new snow are various old surfaces, including firm wind-affected snow, faceted crystals, and surface hoar, all of which may prolong the bonding between new snow and underlying surfaces.

The mid and lower snowpack contains various old crusts and is generally well-settled and stable.

With recent snowfalls, lower elevation areas may now be at the threshold for avalanches.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Cloudy with trace snow amounts, southwest alpine winds 10 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -5 °C.

Friday

Cloudy with up to 10 cm of snow, potential for rain at treeline and below in the afternoon, southwest alpine winds 30 to 50 km/h, treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2200 m by the end of the day.

Saturday

Cloudy with a chance of light rain at most elevations, southwest alpine winds 20 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2200 m.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy with no precipitation, southwest alpine winds 20 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1900 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Regions covered