Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 11th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is Wind Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeWatch for signs of new wind slab formation. They are always touchiest right after they form.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Monday a field team member observed a large (size 2.5) 48-72 hour old natural avalanche that was triggered by a large cornice fall on the slope below it. This occurred on a north aspect. Additionally there was a size 2.5 naturally triggered avalanche observed on an east aspect in the alpine in the Big Y area. It is suspected to have run on facets near the base of the snowpack.
There were a few wind slab avalanches reported to size 1.5 on east facing terrain in the alpine as well.
Snowpack Summary
Moderate south winds have redistributed loose surface snow and have formed new wind slabs in exposed areas.
Continued winds will further feed wind slab development in the coming days with 5 to 10 cm of light new snow from the weekend. This overlies a settled snowpack.
Snow depths at White Pass are around 100 cm in sheltered areas and 200 cm on wind-loaded slopes.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Cloudy with flurries bringing 1-3cm of new snow. Light to moderate southwest winds. Treeline high temperatures around -10 °C.
Thursday
Partly cloudy, isolated flurries with trace accumulations. Light to moderate southeast winds. Treeline high temperatures around -11 °C.
Friday
Mainly cloudy. Light southerly winds. Treeline high temperatures around -12°C.
Saturday
Mainly cloudy. Light southerly winds. Treeline high temperatures around -10°C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
- Watch for signs of slab formation throughout the day.
- The best and safest riding will be on slopes that have soft snow without any slab properties.
Problems
Wind Slabs
An uptick in southerly wind could form reactive new wind slabs in leeward terrain features.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 12th, 2023 4:00PM