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.
lbaker,
Avalanche Canada
Watch for pockets of stiff wind slab at upper elevations from recent winds. These slabs may be in atypical areas due to reverse-loading.
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
On Sunday, explosive control triggered a size 1.5 windslab in a reverse-loaded feature.
On Saturday, several wind slabs, up to size 1, were reported to be reactive to natural and human triggers.
Please continue to share any observations or photos on the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
10-30 cm of storm snow can be found, affected by moderate to strong variable winds at higher elevations. New snow sits over wind-affected surfaces in exposed areas or melt-freeze crust from mid-January found up to 2100 m.
The mid snowpack continues to settle and is well consolidated. Facets exist near the base of the snowpack. Total snowpack depth ranges between 100 cm to 200 cm in wind loaded areas.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Mainly cloudy. Westerly ridgetop winds 60-70 km/h. Alpine high temperatures of -16°C.
Tuesday
Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries, trace accumulation. Moderate northwesterly ridgetop winds 50-60 km/h. Alpine low temperatures of -12°C.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, trace accumulation. Moderate westerly ridgetop winds occasionally gusting 60 km/h. Alpine low temperatures of -10°C.
Thursday
Sunny with cloudy periods Moderate westerly ridgetop winds occasionally gusting 60 km/h. Alpine low temperatures of -7°C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid lee and cross-loaded slopes at and above treeline.
- Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
- Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Variable moderate winds have redistributed storm snow into stubborn wind slabs at higher elevations. Watch for reverse loading and cross-loading in unusual spots. Wind slabs may be particularly reactive where they overlie the mid-January crust.
Aspects: North East, East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 31st, 2023 4:00PM
