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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 6th, 2022–Jan 7th, 2022

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Vancouver Island.

Recently formed wind slabs may remain reactive to human traffic. We've received quite the dump of snow in the past week, which may take a bit more time to stabilize. 

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation trace in the north of the island and 5 in the south, 40 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperature 0 C, freezing level 1200 m.

FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, 50 km/h northwest wind, treeline temperature -6 C.

SATURDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, 40 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperature -3 C.

SUNDAY: Early-morning snowfall then partly cloudy, accumulation 5 cm, 40 km/h south wind, treeline temperature 3 C, freezing level rising to 2000 m.

Avalanche Summary

Several wind slab avalanches were triggered around treeline elevations on Thursday, all within the recent 10 to 30 cm of storm snow.

Avalanche activity may decrease for Friday, but it still remains possible that humans could trigger recently formed slabs.

We'd appreciate any observations while you are out travelling, even just a photo, on the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Storm and wind slabs have formed from around 30 to 50 cm of recent snow. The storm slabs are likely found in areas sheltered from the wind while wind slabs are likely found in lee terrain features at higher elevations. This snow builds on the 100+ cm of snow that has fallen since January 1, which reports indicate is bonding well to the snowpack.

The middle and base of the snowpack are strong, consisting of well-bonded snow and various hard melt-freeze crusts.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • The new snow may require another day to settle and stabilize.
  • Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.