Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 12th, 2017 4:47PM
The alpine rating is Wind Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeSummary
Confidence
Moderate - Wind effect is extremely variable
Weather Forecast
The dominating arctic ridge is slowly breaking down as we transition to a more zonal (westerly) flow. Cloudy with some sunny periods, westerly winds and slightly warmer alpine temperatures will persist through the weekend. A more significant change to come early next week.Friday/ Saturday/ Sunday: Mix of sun and cloud with mostly cloudy skies on Saturday. Ridgetop winds will be light gusting moderate from the SW-W and alpine temperatures near -13.
Avalanche Summary
On Wednesday, a natural size 2 slab avalanche was reported from an ENE aspect near 2500m and likely triggered by wind. Several size 1 skier triggered avalanches were also noted from easterly aspects near 2200m. With winds switching directions, recently formed wind slabs may still be reactive to human triggering on a variety of aspects.
Snowpack Summary
15-30 cm of recent snow has buried variable old snow surfaces. These surfaces consist of wind scoured or old wind slabs in exposed terrain, surface hoar in sheltered terrain, and/or widespread faceted (sugary) old snow. Recent moderate winds from a variety of directions is expected to have redistributed some of this new snow on leeward terrain. The layer of facets from mid-December is still reactive to snowpack tests in isolated areas but is generally considered to be dormant during this period of cold, dry conditions.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 13th, 2017 2:00PM