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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 4th, 2022–Jan 5th, 2022

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

Regions

Northwest Inland.

 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: Mostly clear skies / Light southeast wind / Low of -32

WEDNESDAY: Sunny / Light variable wind / High of -27

THURSDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries; 3-5 cm / Strong southeast wind / High of -24

FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Moderate to strong west wind / High of -21

Avalanche Summary

A naturally triggered size 1.5 storm slab avalanche was reported on Monday.

If you are out in the mountains, let us know what you see by filling out a Mountain Information Network report! ?

Snowpack Summary

Recent, strong northeasterly winds have formed reactive wind slabs on lee features at treeline and above.

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.

The base of the snowpack is composed of crusts and weak faceted grains, particularly in thin snowpack areas. These deeply buried weak layers will create large, destructive avalanches if triggered.

Avoid 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.

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.