Dashboard Regions Weather Stations Radar Alerts Glossary
Contact About
Log In

Register for an account and never miss a forecast again!

Register

Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 4th, 2022–Jan 5th, 2022

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

North Rockies.

 Wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggers for longer than is typical due to the weak facets (sugary snow) they are sitting on.

The best and safest riding will be on wind-sheltered slopes that have soft snow without any slab properties. 

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy / Light variable wind / Low of -36

WEDNESDAY: Mostly sunny / Light variable wind / High of -27

THURSDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light southeast wind / High of -21

FRIDAY: Cloudy with flurries; 3-5 cm / Light variable wind / High of -23

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported on Monday.

Several explosive triggered storm slab avalanches up to size 2.5 were reported in the alpine and treeline on Sunday.

Snowpack Summary

Recently formed wind slabs are most likely to be found on south and westerly aspects, but older wind slabs may be found on all aspects.

Recently formed wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggers for longer than is typical due to the weak facets (sugary snow) they are sitting on.

A crust that was formed at treeline elevations and below in early December has been reported in parts of this region. It can be found down 50-100 cm. There have been no recent reports of avalanches on this layer. A large amount of new snow or warming temperatures have the potential to cause large avalanches on this layer.

The base of the snowpack is composed of crusts and weak faceted grains, particularly in thin snowpack areas east of the divide. 

Avalanches on both of these weak layers can be best managed by avoiding likely trigger spots such as steep, rocky slopes, with a shallow or thin to thick snowpack.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Be aware of highly variable recent wind loading patterns.
  • The best and safest riding will be on slopes that have soft snow without any slab properties.
  • Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
  • Keep your guard up at lower elevations. Wind slab formation has been extensive.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.