Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Glacier.
Use caution in areas exposed to wind and near ridgetop where wind slabs are most prevalent.
Temperatures are still uncomfortably cold in the shade so be prepared for unexpected delays with extra layers and calories.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
Field teams and MIN reports have observed some whumping and cracking of the surface wind slab. There were also a few size 1 dry loose natural avalanches in steep unsupported terrain.
Monday- Size 1 skier accidental wind slab on 8812 peak occurred on a east aspect at approx 2600m. This was not witnessed and no MIN report was submitted.
Neighboring operations, particularly to the west, are still reporting rider & remote triggered avalanches on the Jan 30th layer.
Snowpack Summary
Isolated pockets of wind slab are lingering near ridgetop and in exposed terrain. Areas sheltered from the wind are faceted providing good quality skiing.
A weak layer of surface hoar, facets and/or suncrust (Jan 30th drought layer) is 30-50cm down from the snow surface.
The Jan 7th layer is down 50-80cm, and is comprised of surface hoar in sheltered areas and/or a thin crust on steep S aspects.
Weather Summary
The arctic blocking pattern is starting to break down bringing a slight warming trend by the end of the week.
Tonight Clear periods. Alpine temperature low -20°C. Ridge wind N 10-30km/hr.
Wed Mix of sun and cloud. Alpine high -17°C. Wind SW 10m/h.
Thurs Mix of sun and cloud. Alpine high -10°C! Wind SE 10 km/hr.
Friday Cloudy with sunny periods. Alpine high -10 °C. Light ridge wind.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be aware of the potential for remote triggering and large avalanches due to buried surface hoar.
- Keep in mind that human triggering may persist as natural avalanches taper off.
- If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Pockets of wind slab are faceting with the cold temperatures but there are reports of cracking & whumping within the surface wind slab. Skier accidental in avalanche summary. Use caution near ridgetop and exposed alpine terrain. Variable wind direction means you might find wind slab on any aspect
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
20-50cms of snow overlays a buried persistent weak layer. This weak layer is consists of surface hoar, facets and/ or a suncrust. It will be most reactive where there is a settled, cohesive slab on top of this layer.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Unlikely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5