Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 4th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs, Persistent Slabs and Loose Dry.
timothy Johnson,
Look for sheltered terrain for the best skiing and avoid thin to thick areas in the alpine.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Wednesday: Flurries. Accumulation: 6 cm. Alpine temperature: Low -10 C, High -8 C. Ridge wind southwest: 15-25 km/h.
Thursday: A mix of sun and cloud. Precipitation: Nil. Alpine temperature: Low -11 C, High -7 C. Ridge wind light to 15 km/h.
Snowpack Summary
45cm of new snow further buries the mid-December persistent layers, (surface hoar and facet combo) down 40-70cm. The mid-pack is supportive where snow is deeper than 60cm. The bottom of the snowpack consists of facets and depth hoar.
Avalanche Summary
During the storm on Jan 3. serval large natural avalanches were observed in the alpine on all aspects. Avalanche control had varied results from no results to several size 3 wind slabs stepping down to deep weakness on all aspects in the alpine.
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Confidence
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs will need a few days to heal.
- If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created reactive slabs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
Use caution around thin to thick areas where buried weak layers could be triggered.
- Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could trigger the deep persistent slab.
- Avoid thin, rocky or unsupported slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
Steep rocky faces and slopes above gulleys hold enough snow to sluff off and bury you deeply if caught in a terrain trap.
- Avoid terrain traps, such as gullies, where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.
- Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 5th, 2021 4:00PM
