Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 23rd, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
isnowsell,
Avalanche Canada
Remember, even small avalanches at the surface have the potential to step down to weak layers deep within the snowpack.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Three size 2, skier-triggered avalanches occurred on Monday, west of Invermere. They took place in alpine and treeline terrain on various aspects. It appears that the upper snowpack consolidated into a cohesive slab due to recent warm temperatures and subsequently failed on facet layers approximately 50 cm below the surface.
Snowpack Summary
Recent snow continues to settle and bond. This new snow is sitting atop old wind-affected surfaces and weak, faceted grains.
The mid-snowpack is generally made up of faceted snow and various old crusts.
At the base of the snowpack, weak faceted grains and depth hoar are present, particularly in alpine terrain.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Cloudy with trace snow amounts, southwest alpine winds 10 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -5 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy with no precipitation, southwest alpine winds 10 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -6 °C.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy with trace snow amounts, southwest alpine winds 10 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -5 °C.
Friday
Mostly cloudy with trace snow amounts, southwest alpine winds 10 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -6 °C.
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.
- Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
- If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Cohesive slabs on the surface, whether formed by wind or settlement, may be sitting atop weak faceted snow.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
The base of the snowpack is characterized by weak, facet, and depth hoar crystals.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 24th, 2024 4:00PM
