Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 20th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
wlewis,
Avalanche Canada
While warmer temperatures have helped the snow to settle, higher elevations may still hold slabs triggerable by a rider.
Watch for changing conditions as you shift elevation and aspect.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Friday explosive control produced size 2 avalanches from steep (unrideable terrain).
Looking forward we expect reactivity to continue in high elevation wind affected features. If you head into the backcountry, please consider submitting a MIN report.
Snowpack Summary
Warm temperatures and light rain have created a variable surface crust observed to around 2000 m in most areas.
Previous southerly winds built wind slabs on north and east facing slopes at treeline and above. Warm conditions have promoted settling and bonding of the recent snowfall to old surfaces, however reactivity may continue where slabs sit over weak (faceted) snow.
The mid and lower snowpack consists of various crusts and layers of facets or surface hoar. Reports indicate these are not currently a concern
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Cloudy with trace snow amounts, southwest winds 10 to 20 km/h. Freezing levels around 1500 m.
Sunday
Cloudy with up to 3 cm of snow, southwest alpine winds 10 to 30 km/h. Freezing levels between 1000-1500 m, treeline temperature -3 °C.
Monday
Cloudy with trace snow amounts, southwest alpine winds 10 to 30 km/h. Freezing levels between 1000-1500 m, treeline temperature -3 °C.
Tuesday
Cloudy with trace snow amounts, southwest alpine winds 10 to 30 km/h. Freezing levels between 1000-1500 m, treeline temperature -3 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
- Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.
- Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for wind slab hazard before you commit to it.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Approach ridgelines with caution to avoid being surprised. Slabs sit over hard or weak snow surfaces which may take extra time to bond.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 21st, 2024 4:00PM
