Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 12th, 2017 4:47PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
swerner,
Avalanche Canada
Wind slabs may be reactive to rider triggering. The safest, best riding may be in lower elevation terrain sheltered from the wind.
Summary
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
Recently formed wind slabs may still be reactive to human triggering. Wind direction has changed and wind slabs may exist on all aspects.
Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, or cracking. Wind direction has changed recently. Watch for slabs on all aspects.Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 13th, 2017 2:00PM
