Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 18th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
lholtzman,
Avalanche Canada
Alpine winds have reached 70 km/h in the south part of the forecast region and almost 80 km/h in the north. Stick to the trees for safer riding and better snow.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
On Wednesday, numerous natural wind slab avalanches up to size 2 were reported. Many initiating below ridgetop as a result of strong winds depositing snow load lower onto slopes.
Snowpack Summary
Strong winds with shifting directions are building wind slabs in alpine and down into treeline. Many exposed areas scoured to previous firm surfaces. These new wind slabs have formed over previous old wind slabs or an old faceted layer.
In sheltered areas up to 40 cm of recent snow overlies a layer of buried surface hoar or a crust below 1700 m.
The rest of the snowpack is well settled.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Cloudy, trace of new snow expected, southeast alpine winds 50 km/h easing to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -15 °C.
Friday
Cloudy, snow beginning in the evening, southeast alpine winds up to 20 km/h, treeline temperature -12 °C.
Saturday
Cloudy, up to 10 cm of snow overnight and another 3- 5 cm during the day, southwest alpine winds up to 35 km/h, treeline temperature -10 °C.
Sunday
Cloudy, trace of snow overnight and up to 5 cm during the day, southwest alpine winds up to 35 km/h, treeline temperature -8 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.
- Keep your guard up at lower elevations. Wind slab formation has been extensive.
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Strong winds shifting directions, continue to build wind slabs on many aspects. Wind effect extends into the lower alpine and treeline elevations. Use caution with cross loaded features that might be less obvious.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 19th, 2024 4:00PM
