Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 22nd, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada mconlan, Avalanche Canada

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Assess for wind slabs prior to committing to high-consequence terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Riders triggered small wind slabs on the weekend. They occurred in the immediate lee side of ridges at treeline and alpine elevations.

Looking forward, riders may continue to trigger similar avalanches as these slabs may take longer than typical to bond to the snowpack.

Snowpack Summary

Approximately 10 to 20 cm of recent snow has been redistributed by variable wind directions. This snow sits over old wind-affected surfaces and weak faceted grains and may take longer than usual to bond to the snowpack. Soft, settled snow may be found in areas sheltered from the wind.

In the lower snowpack, two surface hoar layers exist and have become unlikely to trigger. The potential remains for small avalanches on the surface to step down to these deeper layers.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Cloud with trace snow, southwest alpine wind 10 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -6 °C.

Tuesday

Cloudy with 2 to 5 cm snow, southwest alpine wind 20 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -3 °C.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and cloud with trace snow, south alpine wind 20 km/h, treeline temperature -5 °C.

Thursday

Mix of sun and cloud with trace snow, southwest alpine wind 20 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -6 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
  • Expect slab conditions to change drastically as you move into wind exposed terrain.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Riders may continue to trigger wind slabs immediately adjacent to ridges on all aspects. Use caution and assess for slabs prior to committing yourself.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Jan 23rd, 2024 4:00PM