Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 18th, 2024 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 isnowsell, Avalanche Canada

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Keep an eye out for deeper pockets of wind-deposited snow in exposed alpine terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Numerous natural wind slab avalanches in lee and cross-loaded terrain features at treeline and above were reported on Wednesday. All reported avalanches were size 1.

If you head into the backcountry, please consider submitting a MIN report.

Snowpack Summary

Approximately 10 to 20 cm of recent low-density snow continues to be redistributed by variable alpine winds. In most areas, the new snow has buried faceted snow, which, may prolong the bonding of new snow to the underlying surfaces.

The mid and lower snowpack consists of various crusts and layers of facets or surface hoar, none of which appear to be an active concern currently.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Mostly cloudy with 0 to 5 cm of snow, southwest alpine winds 10 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -7 °C.

Friday

Cloudy with 0 to 5 cm of snow, southwest alpine winds 20 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -4 °C.

Saturday

Cloudy with trace snow amounts, southwest alpine winds 10 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -3 °C.

Sunday

Cloudy with trace snow amounts, southwest alpine winds 10 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -3 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • The best and safest riding will be on slopes that have soft snow without any slab properties.
  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
  • Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Recent low-density snow is being redistributed by variable alpine winds.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 19th, 2024 4:00PM