Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 16th, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Observations since the storm are limited, so monitor new snow depth and reactivity as you travel. New wind slabs releasing on the buried crust is the most likely scenario.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanches have been reported in the region, however stormy conditions have been limiting observations. New snow and elevated winds Thursday likely caused a small uptick in avalanche activity.
Check out these MIN reports for a description of active avalanche conditions in the Bijoux and Torpy areas on Sunday.
Snowpack Summary
10-20 cm of new snow Thursday accumulated on surface crust below about 1200 m and on solar aspects. In exposed areas above the elevation of the crust, it has added to recent wind slabs and otherwise wind-affected snow.
In sheltered areas, 40 - 60 cm of recent snow now overlies a variable layer of surface hoar, crusts, and/or sugary facets. Wind slabs may be surprisingly reactive where they overlie these layers at higher elevations. This issue has been pronounced in the neighbouring central Columbias region.
The middle and lower snowpack is generally strong with no weak layers of concern.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Cloudy with easing flurries bringing less than 5 cm of new snow. 10 to 40 km/h north ridgetop wind, easing. Freezing level to valley bottom.
Friday
Mainly cloudy with scattered flurries and up to 5 cm of new snow, including overnight amounts. 10 to 30 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature dropping to -14 °C.
Saturday
Mainly sunny. 20 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline high temperature -13 °C.
Sunday
Mainly sunny. 20 to 40 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline high temperature around -14 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Avoid freshly wind-loaded terrain features.
- Sheltered slopes at lower elevations will offer the safest conditions.
Problems
Wind Slabs
New wind slabs scattered across higher elevation terrain may remain sensitive to human triggering on Friday. Slabs may be most reactive where they have formed over the recent crust.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 17th, 2025 4:00PM
