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Avalanche Forecast

Jan 26th, 2024–Jan 27th, 2024
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Incoming warming may cause buried weak layers to become active and large avalanches to be rider-triggerable.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A few small (size 1-1.5) wind slab avalanches were triggered with explosives on Wednesday and Thursday in the south of the region. As well as one large (size 2.5) persistent slab avalanche in the Flathead south of the American border on Thursday, below treeline.

Two large, explosive-triggered avalanches (size 2 and 3) were reported on Monday in the region's south. Both avalanches occurred at treeline on southeast slopes. They failed on sugary facets down 30 to 50 cm.

Snowpack Summary

15 to 30 cm of recent snowfall continues to be redistributed by southwest wind. There is a layer of sugary facets that are buried 30-50 cm deep and in some places sits on a crust from December. This layer has been reactive in snowpack tests.

The lower snowpack contains a series of crusts and faceted snow that have been unreactive so far. Expect snow depth at treeline to be 100 to 150 cm.

Weather Summary

Friday Night

Partly cloudy with no snow, west alpine wind 30 to 50 km/h, treeline temperature -5 °C.

Saturday

Cloudy with no snow, west alpine wind 40 to 70 km/h, treeline temperature -2 °C, freezing level 1800 m.

Sunday

A mix of sun and cloud with up to 5 cm of snow or rain, west alpine wind 40 to 50 km/h, treeline temperature 3 °C, freezing level 2250 m.

Monday

Mostly clear skies with no new snow, southwest alpine wind 30 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature 6 °C, freezing level 3250 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
  • Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

Be alert for whumpfing and shooting cracks, they're clear signs this layer is active in your area.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs over facets may take longer than normal to heal. Avoid cross-loaded terrain.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5