Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 8th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
mconlan,
Avalanche Canada
Carefully assess for wind slabs and buried weak layers before committing to high-consequence terrain.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
We didn't receive any reports of avalanche activity on Saturday. On Friday, a small wind slab was observed on a northwest aspect in the alpine in the north of the region.
About a week ago there were several reports of larger (size 2 to 3) naturally-triggered avalanches at all elevations releasing on the 30 to 60 cm deep facet layer described in the Snowpack Summary. Triggering an avalanche on this weak layer is still possible under the current conditions.
Snowpack Summary
Recent strong southerly wind formed wind slabs in lee terrain features near ridges. Terrain sheltered from the wind has about 10 cm of soft snow. This snow sits above a layer of surface hoar crystals.
A weak layer of facets that formed during the arctic outbreak in December is buried 30 to 60 cm deep. We are uncertain about the layer's spatial distribution, but observations suggest it is fairly widespread.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Cloudy with trace precipitation, 10 to 20 km/h southeast wind, treeline temperature -6 °C.
Monday
Cloudy with no precipitation, 10 to 20 km/h southeast wind, treeline temperature -6 °C.
TuesdayCloudy with snowfall, accumulation 2 to 5 cm, 30 km/h southeast wind, treeline temperature -6 °C,
WednesdayMostly cloudy with intermittent snowfall, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, 20 km/h southeast wind, treeline temperature -6 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Potential for wide propagation exists, fresh slabs may rest on surface hoar, facets and/or crust.
- Avoid thin areas like rock outcroppings where you're most likely to trigger avalanches failing on deep weak layers.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent strong southerly wind likely formed wind slabs on north-facing terrain. Assess for slabs prior to committing to steep terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
A layer of facets that formed during cold weather in December is buried 30 to 60 cm deep. This layer produced natural avalanches last week and recent snowpack observations suggest it could still be triggered by riders, particularly on steep rocky slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 9th, 2023 4:00PM
