Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 29th, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Conditions will remain dangerous after the storm. The new snow needs time to strengthen.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Wednesday's storm likely caused a natural avalanche cycle, with preliminary reports finding storm slabs were reactive to explosives.
During the warm weather on Sunday, a few large to very large (size 2 to 3) persistent slab avalanches occurred on southeast and northeast aspects. We are uncertain how these slabs responded to the latest storm.
Snowpack Summary
30 to 50 cm of snow fell on Wednesday, with southwest wind depositing more in lee areas. A layer of surface hoar is buried 50 to 90 cm deep, observed on all aspects and elevations. Buried weak layers from December, 150 to 250 cm deep, include crusts, facets, and/or surface hoar, and continue to produce large avalanches.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Clearing skies with 2 to 4 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Thursday
Mix of sun and cloud. 20 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.
Friday
Mostly cloudy with 1 to 3 cm of snow. 20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.
Saturday
Mix of sun and cloud. 30 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -20 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Use conservative route selection. Choose simple, low angle terrain with no overhead hazard.
- Fresh snow rests on a problematic persistent slab, don't let good riding lure you into complacency.
Problems
Storm Slabs
30 to 50 cm of new snow from Wednesday has formed reactive slabs, especially on wind-loaded slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
The weak layer from early December is of greatest concern in areas with shallow, thin-to-thick snowpacks and on wind-loaded north and east-facing slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 30th, 2025 4:00PM
