Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 21st, 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 Avalanche Canada, Avalanche Canada

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Wind slabs are the main concern in exposed terrain above tree line.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported in the region.

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Snowpack Summary

Anywhere from 5 to 10 cm of new snow may be sitting on a crust that exists up to 1850 m in the Wells area. This new snow is likely being redistributed by northwest wind in exposed terrain.

A layer of surface hoar and/or sugary facets may be found sitting about 20 to 40 cm below the snow surface. This layer is likely more of a concern above 1800 m where there is no crust capping it. Wind slabs forming over this layer in the alpine may be more reactive.

The middle and lower snowpack is generally strong with no weak layers of concern.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Cloudy with clear breaks. 20 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline high temperature -12 °C.

Wednesday

Cloudy with sunny breaks. 15 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline high temperature -7 °C.

Thursday

Mainly cloudy with scattered flurries, accumulation 3-8 cm. 30 to 50 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline high temperature -6 °C.

Friday

Mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 40 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline high temperature -5 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction, so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

5-10 cm and wind blowing from a variety of directions have likely created wind slabs on a variety of aspects.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Jan 22nd, 2025 4:00PM

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