Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 5th, 2021 4:14PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs, Persistent Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
Jeff Andrews,
Strong SW winds continue to build wind slabs tree line and above. Although natural avalanche activity has decreased, conservative terrain selection is still advised.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Wednesday will see flurries with up to 10cm accumulating. Ridge top winds will remain moderate to strong from the southwest. Freezing level will remain at valley bottom high near -7.
Thursday mix of sun and cloud with no precipitation expected. Winds will become light; high near -9.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 45cm of new snow this past weekend is being redistributed by strong SW winds. This new snow has further buried the mid-Dec persistent layers (surface hoar and facet combo) down 40-70cm. The mid-pack is supportive where snow is deeper than 60cm. The bottom of the snowpack consists of facets and depth hoar.
Avalanche Summary
Serval large natural avalanches were observed over the weekend in the alpine on all aspects. Avalanche control had varied results from no results to several size 3 wind slabs stepping down to deep weakness on all aspects in the alpine.
No new naturals observed today Hilda area.
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Confidence
Wind effect is extremely variable
Problems
Wind Slabs
Consistent strong SW winds continue to form wind slabs treeline and above.
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created reactive slabs.
- If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
Use caution around thin to thick areas where buried weak layers could be triggered.
- Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
- Avoid thin, rocky or unsupported slopes.
- Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger the deep persistent slab.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 6th, 2021 4:00PM
