Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 14th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
isnowsell,
Avalanche Canada
Watch out for wind slabs in unusual places, such as south-facing slopes and lower down slopes than you might expect.
Wind-sheltered terrain should still offer excellent riding conditions.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Since the end of last week, a few natural wind slab avalanches have been reported during active wind transport from northerly winds. Avalanches have generally been on southerly aspects at treeline and above, up to size 2.5.
Several small loose dry avalanches have been reported in wind-sheltered terrain at lower elevations.
If you head into the backcountry, please consider submitting a MIN report.
Snowpack Summary
Wind-affected snow surfaces in exposed terrain at treeline and above, including reactive wind slabs on south-facing terrain due to recent northerly winds. In wind-sheltered terrain, snow remains largely unconsolidated powder.
Roughly 100 cm of recent snow sits atop a crust with a generally well-settled and stable lower snowpack.
With recent snowfall lower elevation areas may now be at the threshold for avalanches.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Clear with no precipitation, northwest alpine winds 20 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -11 °C.
Monday
Sunny with no precipitation, northwest alpine winds 10 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -7 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy with no precipitation, southwest alpine winds 20 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -5 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy with 5 to 20 cm of snow, southwest alpine winds 30 to 50 km/h, treeline temperature -7 °C.
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.
- Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
- Shooting cracks, whumphs and recent avalanches are strong indicators of an unstable snowpack.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Winds have been variable so assess for wind slabs on all steep slopes. Reactive slabs may exist lower on slopes than usual and near ridge crests and high points. Watch for cross-loading in features like mid-slope gullies and rollovers.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 15th, 2024 4:00PM
