Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 18th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is Wind Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeExpect to see wind slabs on a variety of aspects as the wind switches from northwest to southwest on Friday.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
There was an explosives triggered size 2 wind slab avalanche reported on Thursday in the southern portion of the region. This ran on facets buried in early January.
There were a few natural wind slab, storm slab and dry loose avalanches to size 1 and 1.5 reported on Wednesday and Thursday.
If you go out in the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Snowpack Summary
Recent new snow has accumulated over faceted snow and/or previously wind-affected snow. At treeline and below there is a weak layer of facets over a crust, down 40 to 80 cm. This layer was reactive to skier triggering primarily on east aspects between 1500 and 2000 m last week in the south of the region.
The mid and lower snowpack contains a series of crusts and faceted snow.
The height of snow at treeline is roughly 80 to 150 cm.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Mostly clear , northwest alpine wind 10 to 20 km/h, treeline temperature -21°C.
Friday
Mostly cloudy, 1-2 cm of snow, southwest alpine wind 20 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -11 °C.
SaturdayMostly cloudy with isolated flurries, southwest alpine wind 20 to 50 km/h, treeline temperature -7 °C.
SundayMostly cloudy with isolated flurries, southwest alpine wind 15 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -5 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent new snow and primarily northerly winds are promoting fresh wind slab development on top of older wind slabs and/or weak faceted snow.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 19th, 2024 4:00PM