Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 3rd, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Although natural avalanche activity is tapering off new snow remains reactive to human triggering due to a buried weak layer.
Check out the new Forecaster Blog "Shifting your Mindset".
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Sunday, avalanche control produced several explosive-triggered dry loose avalanches, up to size 1.5.
On Saturday, explosive avalanche control produced several size 1 to 2 storm slab avalanches on all aspects.
We expect unconsolidated snow will remain reactive to skier traffic on Tuesday in steep terrain. Carefully manage sluffing in steep terrain and minimize exposure to overhead hazards wherever possible.
Snowpack Summary
Storm snow totals range from 30 to 50 cm, with deeper deposits in wind-loaded areas. The new snow is bonding poorly to old surfaces, which include melt-freeze crusts on sun-exposed slopes, surface hoar or facets on shaded slopes, and wind-affected snow at higher elevations.
A weak layer of facets from early December is buried 50 to 100 cm deep, or as shallow as 30 cm near Invermere.
The base of the snowpack consists of a thick crust with facets or depth hoar in many areas.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Partly cloudy. 5 to 15 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -19 °C.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud with light flurries, 0 to 1 cm of snow. 10 to 20 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -18 °C.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.
Thursday
Mainly sunny. 10 to 15 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.
- Use small, low consequence slopes to test the bond of the new snow.
- Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Be aware of the potential for remote triggering and large avalanches due to buried surface hoar.
Problems
Storm Slabs
The new snow has bonded poorly to underlying layers. Use extra caution in north and east facing terrain where winds have formed deeper deposits. Watch for signs of instability: whumphing, shooting cracks and recent avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 4th, 2025 4:00PM
