Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 5th, 2021 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada ghelgeson, Avalanche Canada

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Any potentially reactive wind slabs are likely confined to more extreme terrain features. Stay warm and enjoy the great travel conditions.

Summary

Confidence

High - The number, quality, or consistency of field observations is good, and supports our confidence.

Weather Forecast

Brrrr! Arctic air ushers in bitterly cold temperatures with no new snow in sight.

FRIDAY NIGHT: Freezing level at valley bottom, overnight low temperature bottoming out around -25 C, light variable wind at most elevations, moderate northwest wind at ridgetop, no significant snowfall expected.

SATURDAY: Scattered cloud cover at dawn clearing to just a few clouds after lunch, daytime high temperature around - 18 C, moderate to strong wind mainly out of the north, no snow expected. 

SUNDAY: A few clouds, daytime high temperature around -20 C, light to moderate north wind at most elevations with strong northwest wind possible at ridgetop, no snow expected.

MONDAY: Scattered cloud cover, daytime high temperature around -25 C, light variable wind, no snow expected.

Avalanche Summary

There have been no reports of recent avalanche activity. There are a few great MINS that shed more light on riding conditions here.

Snowpack Summary

In wind sheltered locations you can find up to 10 cm of light snow that rests on top of unreactive slabs which are faceting away in the cold temperatures. In wind exposed terrain wind effect is extensive and vast fields of sastrugi can be found.  

A buried weak layer of surface hoar may still be found around 90 cm deep. It was found around Log Cabin and also in Powder Valley (see here). Avalanche activity on this layer hasn't been reported since the first week of January and isn't expected to spike without a substantial snowfall or warming trend.

The lower snowpack is strong around White Pass but a thinner and weaker snowpack structure is expected inland, such as in the Wheaton Valley and the south Klondike.

Terrain and Travel

  • Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Recent northerly wind has created new thin new wind slabs in exposed lee terrain. Lingering widespread wind slabs from last week are still present but likely unreactive.

Aspects: East, South East, South, South West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Feb 6th, 2021 4:00PM