Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 5th, 2022 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs, Persistent Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

Timothy Johnson,

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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

An icon showing 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

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing 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

Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing 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

Unlikely

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Valid until: Jan 6th, 2022 4:00PM