Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 27th, 2024 4:00PM

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

JH, Avalanche Canada

Glacier.

Avalanche hazard may rise quickly with snowfall, warming temps and increasing wind.

Minimize your overhead exposure during periods of heavy snow, and if the surface snow is switching from dry to moist/wet.

Summary

Confidence

No Rating

Avalanche Summary

A field team observed a few small loose snow avalanches in steep terrain on Glacier Crest Saturday.

Avalanche control just West of the park produced one size 3 storm slab avalanche in a large Southerly feature on Friday.

We observed isolated naturals in the highway corridor over the last week, triggered by southerly winds at upper elevations, and high freezing levels in valley bottom avalanche paths.

Snowpack Summary

New snow, warm temperatures and wind at upper elevations continues to build storm slabs.

A sun crust (Jan 3), down 50-70cm, can be found at and below Tree-line on S-SW aspects, and has been a failure plane for a few recent human triggered avalanches.

The Dec 1 surface hoar layer is down ~110cm and is decomposing.

Weather Summary

A frontal system impacts the interior early Sunday, bringing rising freezing levels, moderate snowfall and SW wind.

Tonight: Snow (10cm), Alpine low -2Â°C. Moderate SW ridgetop winds. Freezing level (FZL) 1700m

Sunday: Scattered flurries (5cm). Alpine High 0Â°C. Mod-strong SW winds. (FZL) 2000m

Mon: Isolated wet flurries. Low 0Â°C, High 4Â°C. FZL 3000m.

Tues: Isolated flurries. Low -5Â°C, High 5Â°C. FZL 2500m.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.
The more the snowpack warms-up and weakens, the more conservative you`ll want to be with your terrain selection.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Ongoing snow, South winds, and mild temps continue to build a slab that is thicker and more reactive in windloaded lee features.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Loose Wet

Expect loose snow avalanches in steep terrain, as freezing levels continue to rise.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 28th, 2024 4:00PM