Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 23rd, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada isnowsell, Avalanche Canada

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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

An icon showing 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

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

The base of the snowpack is characterized by weak, facet, and depth hoar crystals.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3.5

Valid until: Jan 24th, 2024 4:00PM

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