Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 20th, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Avalanche activity has decreased, but reactivity may remain in wind-affected areas.
Seek out sheltered terrain if winds are moving snow and forming fresh slabs.
Summary
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
Avalanche activity appears to have tapered since the storm with wind and persistent slabs observed through to Saturday. Activity primarily occurred on north through east aspects at alpine elevations.
This size 2 rider triggered avalanche occurred on an east facing alpine slope. Notably, the avalanche was triggered as a wind slab and stepped down to the buried weak layer. Photo below.
Snowpack Summary
20 cm of recent storm snow has been heavily wind affected in exposed areas. A crust exists below 1250 m, making for challenging travel conditions.
Check out this MIN for a conditions update near Smithers.
A weak layer of facets and a crust is buried 50 to 100 cm deep. This has shown recent reactivity with the new load from wind and snow. Reactivity moving forward is uncertain.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Increasing cloud with flurries. 40 to 50 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud. 30 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Wednesday
Cloudy with 5 cm of snow. 40 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
Thursday
Cloudy with 5 cm of snow. 40 to 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
- If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Expect stiffer and deeper deposits of snow on northeast and southeast facing slopes. Watch for steep convex rollovers, ridgetop entrances, and cross loaded features.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
A widespread crust with facets is buried 50 to 100 cm deep. Wind slabs may step down to this layer, producing large avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 21st, 2025 4:00PM
