Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 1st, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada trettie, Avalanche Canada

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Carefully assess open slopes for wind slab. Wind slabs may remain sensitive to rider traffic.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

There was a report of a size 2 storm or wind slab avalanche off of Fraser Peak on Saturday. See this MIN post for more details.

If you head into the backcountry please consider submitting your observations to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

20 to 30 cm of new snow fell last week. This has been redistributed by primarily southwest wind.

The mid and lower snowpack is reported to be well settled, with a thick, well-bonded crust approximately 30 to 50 cm above the ground at elevations below 1200 m. Snow depth ranges from 80 to 200 cm across the region.

Of note, a layer of surface hoar was found in the Halcyon Fraser Chutes area on Dec 28 and 29. check out these MIN reports here and here for more details.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Partially clear with trace amounts of new snow expected, northeast alpine wind 10 to 20 km/h, treeline temperature -11°C.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy with trace amounts of new snow expected, east alpine wind 10 to 20 km/h, treeline temperature -13°C.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy with trace amounts of new snow expected, east alpine wind 10 to 20 km/h, treeline temperature -13°C.

Thursday

Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of new snow expected, south alpine wind 20 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -5°C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Stay off recently wind loaded slopes until they have had a chance to stabilize.
  • Approach steep open slopes at and below treeline cautiously, buried surface hoar may exist.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Recently formed wind slabs may still be reactive to rider traffic. Be cautious when seeking out protected terrain on east aspects, as a layer of buried surface hoar may still exist.

 

Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 2nd, 2024 4:00PM