Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 9th, 2021 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada MBender, Avalanche Canada

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The weather pattern is set to change on Sunday, with warm temperatures and precipitation in the forecast.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast precipitation (either snow or rain) amounts are uncertain.

Weather Forecast

Saturday Night: Wet flurries, accumulation 5-10 cm, moderate to strong southwest wind, treeline high temperature -2, freezing level 800 m.

Sunday: Flurries or rain showers, moderate southwest wind, treeline high temperature near 1 C, freezing level 1200 m.

Monday: Snow or rain, accumulation 15-20 cm, moderate to strong southwest wind, treeline high temperature 3 C, freezing level 1500 m.

Tuesday: Heavy rain or snow, strong west wind, treeline high temperature 5 C freezing level 1600 m.

Avalanche Summary

On Friday there were reports of loose dry and wet avalanches running to to size 1. This MIN post outlines the conditions nicely on Friday.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 10 cm of new snow falling on Friday at uppermost elevations has likely been wind affected. this snow snow sits on a crust. Below the 1200 m elevation band the snow surface is likely moist, wet or refrozen as a surface crust. 

The remainder of the snowpack is well consolidated.

Terrain and Travel

  • Be careful as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Recent strong southerly wind has likely created windslabs slabs at uppermost elevations in lee terrain.

Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 10th, 2021 4:00PM