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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 22nd, 2024–Jan 23rd, 2024

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

South Coast Inland, Birkenhead, Duffey, South Chilcotin, Stein, Taseko.

Assess the bond between new snow and the underlying crust as you gain elevation. New wind slabs may not bond well and be more reactive as a result.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A couple of skier-triggered avalanches surprised a ski touring group on Saturday. Both avalanches were reported as size 2 and occurred on a northeast, alpine slopes just below a rocky ridge top.

If you go out in the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

5 to 15 cm of recent snow has fallen over a thin crust below 2000 m and wind effected surfaces above this elevation. In sheltered north facing terrain at treeline and above, this new snow is likely soft and makes for good skiing.

The mid and lower snowpack consists of various crusts and layers of facets or surface hoar. Reports indicate these are not currently a concern.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Mostly cloudy with 2 to 8 cm of new snow expected, south alpine wind 15 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -2 °C.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy with around 5 cm of new snow expected, south alpine winds 20 to 40 km/h, freezing level rising to 1600 m.

Wednesday

Cloudy with trace amounts of new snow expected, south alpine winds 20 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -2°C.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy with trace amounts of new snow expected, south alpine wind 20 to 40 km/h, freezing level rising to 1400 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
  • Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.
  • Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for wind slab hazard before you commit to it.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.