Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 26th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
ahanna,
Avalanche Canada
Expect deeper and more reactive slabs in wind-loaded terrain features. Be ready dial back your terrain choices if freezing levels start to rise above treeline.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Storm slabs were reactive earlier in the week, with numerous natural, human- and remote-triggered avalanches up to size 2. On Wednesday, avalanche activity became more specific to wind-loaded features, with several naturals up to size 2.5 on north to east aspects in the alpine and upper treeline elevations.
Snowpack Summary
30-50 cm of recent snow sits over a layer of facets formed during the early January cold snap. At upper elevations, the recent snow has seen some redistribution by wind. At lower elevations, a thin crust or moist snow may be found at the surface.
Old layers of surface hoar and crusts in the mid snowpack appear to be healing. The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong and well bonded.
Weather Summary
Friday night
Around 5 cm of new snow. Southwest alpine wind 20-40 km/h. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy with scattered flurries bringing p to 5 cm. South alpine wind 15-30 km/h. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.
Sunday
A mix of sun and cloud. South alpine wind 20-40 km/h. Treeline temperature +2 °C. Freezing level 2500 m.
Monday
A mix of sun and cloud. South alpine wind 20-40 km/h. Treeline temperature +4 °C. Freezing level 2700 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Keep in mind that human triggering potential persists as natural avalanching tapers off.
- Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.
- Caution around convexities or sharp changes in terrain.
- Extra caution for areas experiencing rapidly warming temperatures for the first time.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent snow has been most reactive in wind-loaded terrain features such as below ridge crests and roll-overs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
30-50 cm of recent snow sits over a layer of facets and has been slow to bond. This layer may become more reactive with warming temperatures this weekend.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 27th, 2024 4:00PM
