Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 12th, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Wet.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Solar input and rising temperatures in the alpine may trigger a natural avalanche cycle on solar slopes.
Avoid steep, rocky, wind-affected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Saturday, a natural size 2, wind slab avalanche was reported near Birkenhead. The avalanche occurred on a northeast aspect at 2100 m. The crown was 20 -40 cm deep.
A few natural and skier-triggered wind slab avalanches were reported on all aspects. Evaluate slopes individually for slabs before committing to them.
Snowpack Summary
10 to 30 cm of snow with strong southeast switching to northwest winds created wind-affected surfaces and wind slabs on a variety of aspects in exposed terrain.
This new snow overlies a sun crust on steep south-facing slopes, faceted snow or large surface hoar in sheltered areas, and wind-affected surfaces in exposed areas.
A second crust is buried 60 to 100 cm deep and may have a layer of surface hoar sitting above it. Recent tests show this layer as unreactive.
The remainder of the mid and lower snowpack is well-settled.
Snow depths at treeline are roughly 100 to 150 cm.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Mainly clear skies. 10 to 20 km/h westerly ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Monday
Mainly sunny. 5 to 15 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. An above freezing layer develops between 1500 and 2500 m.
Tuesday
Mainly cloudy. 10 to 25 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. An above freezing layer persists between 1500 and 2500 m.
Wednesday
Mainly sunny. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +1 °C. Freezing levels 2500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Recent wind has varied in direction, so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Rocks will heat up with daytime warming and may become trigger points for loose wet avalanches.
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Shifting winds have created wind slabs on a variety of aspects. Look for signs of wind effect on the snow surface as you move through the terrain.
Strong sun may increase the reactivity of wind slabs on steep, sun-affected slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
As temperatures rise and solar input increases throughout the day, loose wet avalanche activity is likely to increase on sunny slopes. Back off slopes as the snow surface becomes wet or moist.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 13th, 2025 4:00PM
