Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 6th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs.
IG,
Avalanche Canada
New snow and wind will cause avalanche hazard to increase. Use extra caution in areas with recent wind loading
Skin tracks and certain terrain features that were used last week may not be appropriate this weekend!
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
Recent snow and wind has triggered a natural avalanche cycle. Storm slab avalanches were observed on the east side of the park off of the steep terrain on Mt Macdonald to size 3.
Snowpack Summary
20-30cms of storm snow with moderate to strong winds has created a storm slab in the alpine and exposed areas at treeline. This new snow sits on sun crust on solar aspects; firm wind effect in the alpine; and soft facetted snow on sheltered N aspects.
Below 2100m there is a strong rain crust down 40-60cm (from Dec 5th/6th).
The Dec 1 surface hoar, down 60-100cm, has seen isolated deep pockets "pop" out in steeper, alpine terrain.
Record low snowpack for the Park.
Weather Summary
Storms this weekend will bring much needed snow to Roger's Pass. In the wake of the storm Monday, temperatures will plummet.
Tonight: Cloudy with flurries, Alpine low -13°C, Ridgetop winds: NE 20.
Sun: A mix of sun and cloud, Nil precip, High -13°C, Light W wind.
Mon: isolated flurries, trace precip, Low -17, High -11°C, SW winds to 25km/hr.
Tues: Periods of snow: 14cm, High -9°C, SW winds 25 km/hr gusting to 75 km/hr.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Avoid areas with overhead hazard.
- Be carefull with sluffing in steep terrain, especially above cliffs and terrain traps.
Problems
Storm Slabs
20-40cms of new snow with moderate to strong gusting winds will have created storm slabs on lee features and cross-loaded slopes. These slabs will be most reactive if sitting on old sugary snow or a hard sun crust.
Expect heavy sluffing at all elevations in steeper terrain, especially on S & W aspects
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 7th, 2024 4:00PM
