Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 5th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs, Persistent Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
Timothy Johnson,
Pay attention to snowfall amounts and increasing winds throughout the day on Thursday. These inputs can increase avalanche danger.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Thursday
Cloudy with scattered flurries.
Accumulation: 5 cm.
Alpine temperature: High -11 °C.
Ridge wind southwest: 10-20 km/h.
Freezing level at valley bottom.
Friday
Cloudy with scattered flurries.
Accumulation: 5 cm.
Alpine temperature: Low -19 °C, High -7 °C.
Ridge wind southwest: 15-35 km/h.
Freezing level at valley bottom.
Snowpack Summary
Cold temperatures continue to promote faceting. Expect lingering wind slabs in deposition zones. The mid-pack is supportive with the Dec 1st interface down 40cm as a rain crust below 1950m. Basal faceting continues near or on the ground.
Avalanche Summary
One large avalanche was reported by the public over an ice climb on Mt. Wilson. See the MIN report.
Confidence
Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Friday
Problems
Wind Slabs
Variable wind directions have caused reverse loading. Expect lingering wind slabs due to the cold temperatures. Careful assessment is required with local terrain influences.
- Variable winds may create pockets of wind slab in some unexpected locations.
- If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
This layer is a rain crust up to 1950m and reactive to large loads. Typically this layer is down around 40cm.
- Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
Natural deep avalanches are getting less frequent yet it remains a low probability and high consequence event if you push your luck.
- Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could trigger the deep persistent slab.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 6th, 2022 4:00PM
