Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 27th, 2022 4:00PM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low.

Avalanche Canada wlewis, Avalanche Canada

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Continue good travel habits and use normal caution in the backcountry. While a stable weather pattern and thick melt freeze crust have lowered the danger rating, travel conditions may be challenging. 

Summary

Confidence

High - Confidence is due to a stable weather pattern with little change expected.

Weather Forecast

The high pressure begins to break down Friday with an active system bringing light snowfall over the weekend.

THURSDAY NIGHT: Valley cloud persists with clear skies above. Winds increase to moderate and strong from the southwest, freezing levels around 2600 m.

FRIDAY: Valley cloud possible with scattered cloud above. Strong southwest winds. Freezing levels fall from 2500 m over the day, to 1000 m by evening. Alpine high +5.

SATURDAY: Cloudy with strong southwest winds. 2-5 cm of snowfall is expected. Freezing level 1000 m, alpine high of 0. 

SUNDAY: Cloudy with easing westerly winds. 5-10 cm of snowfall. Alpine high of 0, freezing levels 1000 m. 

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity has been reported. 

Observations remain limited. If you head out into the mountains, please share any observations or photos on the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

A thick surface crust extends to mountain top. Surface conditions remain solid despite the warm temperatures and sun. 

Below this crust, snow is moist down 30-50 cm where several old crusts are now breaking down. The middle and base of the snowpack are well settled and strong, consisting of well bonded snow and several hard melt-freeze crusts. The snowpack has receded back to marginal levels below treeline with many hazards present. 

Check out a recent MIN report for a good description of travel conditions in the Prince of Wales range. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
  • Rocks will heat up with daytime warming and may become trigger points for loose wet avalanches

Valid until: Jan 28th, 2022 4:00PM