Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 30th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
AB,
Avalanche Canada
Numerous wind slabs and the occasional deep slab has been the pattern over the last couple of days, and the next few days to come. Use good judgment and resist steep terrain as we come out of the cold weather.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Mt. Field, a size 2.5 natural deep slab was observed. It ran within 200m of the Kicking Horse River, occurring within the last 24 hours. A large cornice fell down which triggered a slab on Mt. Bosthworth, and the debris ran to mid-runout. Lake Louise patrol triggered two size 2 wind slabs that gauged down into facets with large explosives.
Snowpack Summary
Moderate to strong W-N winds have formed wind slabs at treeline and in the alpine. Below this, the upper snowpack contains weak layers 20-40 cm deep (Jan. 4th) and 30-60 cm deep (Dec. 17th) that are generally unreactive. The Nov 16 deep persistent layer is down 40-90 cm and continues to produce variable sudden test results. In areas west of the divide, the snowpack is more supportive than in eastern areas.
Weather Summary
Warming temperatures which will bring things back to seasonal over the next two days. A trace of snow is expected on Tuesday. Winds will remain in the strong range from the West, Tuesday through Thursday.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Uncertainty is best managed through conservative terrain choices at this time.
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Moderate to strong W-N winds have formed wind slabs in lees areas of the alpine and treeline. In the past couple days these wind slabs have been reactive to skier traffic, and have failed naturally with ongoing wind loading.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
The lower snowpack is comprised of weak facets and depth hoar with the upper snowpack forming a 40 to 90cm thick slab above the weakness. Not much has changed with this layer and human triggering remains a concern anywhere this weak layer is present.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 31st, 2023 4:00PM
