Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 28th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Wet Slabs, Loose Wet and Cornices.

Avalanche Canada lcrawley, Avalanche Canada

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Limit your exposure to avalanche terrain as temperatures continue to rise.

If the sun comes out the upper snowpack will quickly lose strength.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Several wet slab (size 1 to 2) avalanches near treeline were reported nearby Fernie on Sunday.

Small and large (size 2) storm slab avalanches have continued to occur this week near Fernie, both naturally and with explosives, as recently as Saturday.

Snowpack Summary

Expect surface snow to continue to get wet as temperatures rise and the sun comes out.

Roughly 40 to 50 cm of snow from the past week sits over various old surfaces. In some areas, it is slow to bond due to sugary facets.

Near the bottom of the snowpack, there are a series of crusts and facets that are more prominent in shallow areas.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow or rain, west alpine wind 40 to 60 km/h, treeline temperature 2 °C, freezing level 2500 m.

Monday

A mix of sun and cloud with a trace of snow or rain, southwest alpine wind 30 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature 5 °C, freezing level 3200 m.

Tuesday

A mix of sun and cloud with no snow, southwest alpine wind 35 to 55 km/h, treeline temperature 4 °C, freezing level dropping to 2250 m.

Wednesday

Mostly clear skies with no snow, southwest alpine wind 30 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature 6 °C, freezing level dropping to 2750 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Keep in mind that wet avalanches can be destructive due to their high density.
  • Large cornice falls are dangerous on their own.
  • The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.

Problems

Wet Slabs

An icon showing Wet Slabs

The recent snow will be dangerous as it gets soaked by rain, sun, and high temperatures.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Rain and warm temperatures have made this problem more likely.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

An icon showing Cornices

Cornices are more likely to fall during warm periods.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: Jan 29th, 2024 4:00PM

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