Avalanche forecast

South Columbia

Jan 4, 2017Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 10 years ago

Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Be extra cautious around south slopes: they're weak, wind-loaded, and getting hit by the sun.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Southerly aspects are wind loaded and becoming unstable with solar warming. Watch for wind slabs in unusual places, including open areas at lower elevations.

Confidence

High - Due to the number and quality of field observations

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light north winds, alpine temperatures around -20.THURSDAY: Cloudy, light northwest winds, alpine temperatures around -16.FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, light southwest winds, alpine temperatures around -12.

Avalanche Summary

On Monday, isolated natural wind slab activity was reported on east through northwest aspects, typically in the size 1-1.5 range. Wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggers in isolated areas, such as the immediately lee of ridges and sun-exposed slopes.

Snowpack Summary

Strong winds over the weekend had an extensive effect in exposed terrain. Expect scouring and wind slabs in unusual places, as the winds shifted from west to northeast. Sunny weather is likely making the surface snow touchy on south-facing slopes. The mid-December facet/surface hoar layer can be found buried 70-120 cm deep, and has been showing signs of gaining strength recently with no recent avalanche activity in the region. The lower snowpack is well bonded and features a thick rain crust near the ground.

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