Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 4th, 2025 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada Parks Canada, Avalanche Canada

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Heightened avalanche conditions near ridge top lee features, especially in unsupported or extreme terrain.

Human triggered avalanches are still possible.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

The wind switched to the NE creating an small, isolated natural cycle in the west end of the park on Friday, up to size 2 running to the end of the track.

We have observed a few natural avalanches up to size 2 this week. They occurred in the steep terrain east of Rogers Pass.

Reports on rider triggered sluffing in steep terrain have continued throughout the week.

There are also some great MIN reports that show rider controlled windslabs in steep terrain.

Snowpack Summary

A thin surface crust formed in spotty locations due to freezing rain below tree line on Saturday afternoon.

Around 35cm of new snow has fallen over the past week. This new snow has been redistributed by moderate wind which has created pockets of soft slabs in wind prone areas. There is a isolated sun crust buried ~15cm on steep S aspects.

The snowpack is strong with a well settled mid-pack.

Weather Summary

A weak trough of low pressure system moves through the interior.

Tonight Cloudy w/ clear periods, Alp Low: -7°C, South wind 10 km/hr. Freezing level (FZL) at valley bottom.

Sun Flurries. Alp High: -6°C. South wind 10 km/hr. FZL 1300m.

Mon Cloudy w/ sunny periods, Flurries, Alp high -5 °C. Wind: SW 10km/hr. FZL 1300m

Tue Mix of sun & cloud. Alp high -2 °C. SW wind 20-50 km/hr. FZL 1100m

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for slabs before you commit to it.
  • Use appropriate sluff management techniques.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Isolated pockets of wind slab exist near ridgetop and in wind affected areas. Flurries and moderate winds are sustaining this problem. Field teams have observed enough wind transport to make wind slab the primary concern.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 5th, 2025 4:00PM

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